Canalathon Ultra
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Canalathon Ultra : Rochdale Canal running festival
Canalathon Ultra is a multi-distance running festival along the Rochdale Canal through West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. The event offers the following distances:
- 100 km
- 50 km
- Half Marathon (21 km)
- 10 km
Courses mostly follow well-maintained canal towpaths with minimal elevation and mainly hard surfaces. The 100 km and 10 km are out-and-back routes; the 50 km and Half Marathon are point-to-point courses with transfers available from the main race headquarters. The route passes through towns such as Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Littleborough and visits Pennine landscapes and canal-side sections.
Facilities at the race headquarters include free onsite parking, bag storage, toilets and showers, plus complimentary pre- and post-event refreshments. All distances use chip timing and there are aid stations approximately every 12.5 km supplying items such as bananas, sausage rolls, jam butties and water. Mobile first aid, a bike sweep and event pick-up are provided along the route.
Ultra distances have published cut-off points; runners who miss a cut-off will be withdrawn by marshals and should arrange their own return or await collection at an aid station. The event also uses a bridge-numbering system to help with navigation along the canal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
