Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Race

Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Ultramarathon

It's one of Britain’s longest, oldest and most iconic single-stage, non-stop canal race. Stretching an immense 145 miles from the heart of Birmingham to the centre of London, the Grand Union Canal Race (GUCR) is a legendary test of flat-surface endurance that belongs on the bucket list of every serious ultra runner.

Organised by the incredibly dedicated team at Canalrace CIC, the GUCR is the original towpath ultramarathon. First run in 1993, it has grown into an institution within the UK ultra-running community. It also forms the prestigious first jewel in the crown of the "Canal Slam" (a challenge to complete three massive UK canal races in a single year).

Course

The route is beautifully simple in its navigation but brutally demanding on the body.

• The Start & Finish: Your 145 mile ultra begins early on a Friday morning at the atmospheric Gas Street Basin in Birmingham. From there, you will follow the Grand Union Canal relentlessly south, culminating in a spectacular finish at Little Venice in London.
• The Terrain: The route is entirely off-road, following the historic canal towpaths. However, "off-road" does not mean soft ground. You will be pounding hard-packed dirt, gravel, and concrete for over a hundred miles.
• The "Flat" Deception: With no mountains to climb, the GUCR features virtually zero elevation gain. While this sounds like a blessing, the lack of varied terrain means you will be using the exact same muscle groups for up to 45 hours. The repetitive impact is famous for destroying feet and testing muscular endurance like no other race.

Supported vs. Unsupported

To cater to different styles of ultra-running, the GUCR allows runners to enter in one of two categories:

• Supported (with crew): You can bring your own dedicated support crew to meet you at various access points along the canal, providing you with your own specific nutrition, fresh shoes, and pacing support in the latter stages.
• Unsupported: If you choose to run unsupported, you are entirely reliant on the race organisers. Thankfully, the GUCR features a legendary network of well-stocked checkpoints (roughly every 10 to 15 miles). The volunteer teams provide an array of hot and cold food, drinks, and the vital moral support needed to keep you moving through the night.

Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Ultra

The Grand Union Canal 145 Mile ultra is a piece of British ultra-running history. The camaraderie along the towpath, the flawless organisation, and the sheer magnitude of running from Britain's second city to its capital make it a life-changing experience. Earning the highly coveted GUCR finisher's medal is a mark of supreme endurance. Because of its legendary status, entry is highly competitive and usually operates via a ballot system. For the most up-to-date details and registration information, please visit the official race website.