Birmingham Canal Canter

Birmingham Canal Canter

The Birmingham Canal Canter is a circular walking and running event organized by the LDWA Heart Of England group. The course explores the industrial heritage and canal networks of Birmingham, featuring a route that is 98% off-road. The terrain is flat and fast with no stiles to navigate. Participants cross through a variety of landscapes ranging from rural settings to state-of-the-art urban developments.

The event offers three distinct distance options:

• 18.5 miles (Mini Canter): A river and canal route passing through the city centre, Bournville, and Kings Norton.
• 26.5 miles (Canter Marathon): Includes the river and canal paths plus visits to Edgbaston Reservoir and the Soho Loop.
• 30 miles (Maxi Canter): A longer route established to mark 30 years of the local group, which includes a visit to Spaghetti Junction.

Significant landmarks along the various routes include the Stratford and Grand Union Canals, the River Cole Valley Way, Kings Norton’s Guillotine Lock, and Cadbury’s Bournville Village. Participants also pass Sarehole Mill, the Soho Manufactory, and the Black Sabbath Bridge in the city centre.

The start and finish are located at Moseley Rugby Club, where free parking and showers are provided. The event includes staffed checkpoints with food and cold drinks - two for the Mini, three for the Marathon, and four for the Maxi. Participants must bring their own drinking vessel as no cups are provided. A meal, including vegetarian and vegan options, is served at the finish. All finishers receive a badge and a certificate. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.