Birmingham Canal Canter

Event details

The Birmingham Canal Canter takes place on Sunday 2 August 2026. All routes start and finish at Moseley Rugby Club, Billesley Common, Yardley Wood Road, Birmingham B13 0TP. The event is organised by LDWA - Heart Of England. Minimum age is 18 or older. Entry fees are listed as LDWA member £20.00 and non member £25.00. Entries open 31 October 2025 and close 24 July 2026.

The routes are circular walks/runs that are about 98% off road, largely flat with very little ascent or descent, and have no stiles. They follow Birmingham canals and the River Cole and involve crossing very few roads. Canal and river sections include the Stratford Canal, Worcester - Birmingham Canal, New Main Line, Fazeley and Grand Union Canals, and the River Cole.

Routes and facilities

• 18.5 miles - Mini Canter
• 26.5 miles - Canter Marathon
• 30 miles - Maxi Canter

The marathon and maxi routes visit Edgbaston Reservoir and the Soho Loop; the maxi also visits Spaghetti Junction. The marathon omits the traditional visit to Spaghetti Junction but includes tunnels under Curzon Street and Ashfield Road. The 18.5 mile route skips the reservoir and Soho Loop but still passes Sarehole Mill, Birmingham city centre, Bournville and Kings Norton.

There are 4 checkpoints on the maxi, 3 on the Canter and 2 on the Mini-Canter; checkpoints include food and cold drinks. Cups will not be provided, so participants must bring a mug or drinking vessel. Hot and cold drinks and a meal, with vegetarian and vegan options, are provided at the finish. Showers and free parking are available on site. GPX files and route descriptions will be sent before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.