Canalathon Ultra
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About the race
Canalathon Ultra is a running festival along the Rochdale Canal between West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. It offers multiple race distances and support facilities from a central race headquarters in Sowerby Bridge.
Distances
- 100 km
- 50 km
- Half Marathon (21 km)
- 10 km
Race HQ and facilities are based at Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club, with free onsite parking, bag storage, toilets and showers. Complimentary pre and post event refreshments are provided at the venue.
The 100 km and 10 km routes are out-and-back courses on well maintained canal towpaths with minimal elevation. The 50 km and half marathon are point-to-point routes; optional pre-booked transport is available from the race HQ to some start locations. Courses are mainly on hard surfaces but comfortable trail running shoes are recommended.
Aid stations are placed at roughly 12.5 km intervals and supply water plus a mix of sweet and savoury snacks. The event uses chip timing for all distances and provides mobile first aid, a bike sweep and pick-up support where needed. Trophies and prizes are awarded in male and female categories for each distance. The 100 km and 50 km races have cut-off times; the half marathon and 10 km do not.
The route passes towns such as Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Littleborough and runs through Pennine canal-side landscapes. A bridge numbering system is used along the course to help competitors track progress. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
