Grand Union Canal 145 Mile (GUCR)

Birmingham, United Kingdom • 23-25 May 2026

Grand Union Canal Race (GUCR) is a 145-mile non-stop ultramarathon along the Grand Union Canal Towpath from Gas Street Basin, Birmingham to Little Venice, London. Dubbed “The Long Run” and regarded by many as Britain’s premier ultra, the race follows a way-marked, flat towpath through urban and rural scenery. It is a low-key, not-for-profit event organized by Canalrace C.I.C., with no entry qualifications beyond being over 20 and able to pace a 45-hour finish. About 100 starters are accepted by draw. Features include feed stations every 10–15 miles, support for crews, transport for retirees, and clear cut-offs, launching the Canalslam series. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

145 mi
Finish Little Venice, London
133 mi
Cp9 Hambrough Tavern, Southall
120 mi
Cp8 Springwell Lock, Rickmansworth
99 mi
Cp7 Tring Reservoirs, Startop's End Car Park
85 mi
Cp6 Bridge 99, Water Eaton
71 mi
Cp5 Cosgrove Village Hall
53 mi
Cp4 Heart of England, Weedon
36 mi
Cp3 Birdingbury Bridge, Calias Lane
22 mi
Cp2 Hatton Locks
11 mi
Cp1 Catherine de Barnes
Start
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Event overview The Cannock Chase Running Festival takes place on Sunday 12 October 2025 at Forest Lodge, Birches Valley, Rugeley WS15 2UQ, within Cannock Chase Forest and the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The event is he..

NSCCL 2025 round 2 – Stafford Common is part of the North Staffs Cross Country League, a traditional cross country series across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. Held at Stafford Common on 18 October 2025, it features four league rac..

The Worcester Ring Run 2025 The Worcester Ring Run is a 23-mile running event on 25 October 2025, starting and finishing at Droitwich Rugby Club in Droitwich, United Kingdom. The route follows a clockwise loop along the Droitwich Canal, joi..

Event overview Sphinx AC Coombe 8 is an autumn road and trail running event held at Coombe Abbey on the outskirts of Coventry. The course is described as multi-terrain with a mixture of wooded trails and undulating farm land. The event offe..

How Hard Can It Be Events presents The November Nightmare, a multi-day endurance challenge in Telford, Shropshire. The eight-day event runs Sunday to Sunday (2–9 November) with daily options of 8 miles, a half marathon (about 16 miles) or a..

DirtRun In The Dark – Race 1 takes place at Wyre Forest Visitor Centre (Callow Hill), near Kidderminster, UK. The 10 km course is run as two laps on off-road tracks and trails through the forest, in darkness. Torch light is compulsory and c..