Grand Union Canal 145 Mile (GUCR)
Birmingham, United Kingdom • 23-25 May 2026
Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Race
The Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Race (GUCR) is a non-stop ultramarathon that follows the waymarked Grand Union Canal Towpath from Birmingham to London. The course begins at Gas Street Basin in Birmingham and concludes at Little Venice in London. Held under UK Athletics rules, this event covers a distance of 145 miles along a relatively flat course that passes through both urban and rural landscapes.
Participants follow a straightforward navigation route along the canal. The event provides regular support, with snacks and drinks available at feed points located every 10 to 15 miles. The race has a total time limit of 45 hours, requiring runners to reach the finish by early Monday morning.
The event offers two main entry categories:
- 145 miles (Supported): Runners provide their own support crew.
- 145 miles (Unsupported): Runners are looked after by the organizers.
The race is open to runners aged 20 or older. While there are no formal entry qualifications, participants must maintain a steady pace to meet checkpoint cut-offs. Buddy runners are permitted to join participants on foot starting from the 75-mile mark. For those unable to complete the distance, transport is provided to the nearest station. The event utilizes a lottery system for place allocation due to limited capacity, particularly for the unsupported category. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.