"GUCR 145 - The Long Run"

Birmingham to London. There is a train, but where’s the story in that?

Introduction

The 2027 Grand Union Canal Race is a 145-mile, non-stop adventure from Gas Street Basin in Birmingham to Little Venice in London, starting at 6am on Saturday 29 May.

Leave the city behind and follow the water through quiet countryside, bustling towns and canalside villages. Narrowboats drift past with beds, kettles and people who appear to have made rather more sensible weekend arrangements.

Whether you’re a seasoned ultra runner or wondering just how far those feet could take you, there’s a warm welcome waiting. No formal qualifying races are required, but training, preparation and a healthy respect for the distance are essential. Optimism is useful. Comfortable socks also have their place.

Organised by Canalrace C.I.C., GUCR is volunteer-powered, proudly not-for-profit and full of heart. Runners must be 20 or over, and the event operates under UK Athletics rules with permission from the Canal & River Trust.

What to Expect

• One extraordinary journey: Two great cities, 145 miles and a new appreciation for chairs.

• Mostly gentle gradients: The hills won’t steal the show. Your feet might.

• Route guidance: Supplied maps and route information, including the overland paths around tunnels. Leave the goggles at home.

• Checkpoint refreshments: Drinks for everyone, with food provision for Canal Crew entrants.

• 45 hours to finish: Run, walk or mix the two, keeping within checkpoint cut-offs.

• Proper canal camaraderie: Shared miles, friendly faces and conversations that begin with, “Are those your last crisps?”

Choose Your Crew

Canal Crew — we’re your crew.
Coming without a personal support team? Our volunteers provide checkpoint food, refreshments and kit-bag support as detailed in the runner manual. Expect a warm welcome, even when your conversational skills have reduced to “Tea, please.”

Bring Your Own Crew — your people, your sandwich preferences.
Your own team supports you throughout the race, following our crew and access guidance. They bring familiar faces and favourite supplies. You provide regular updates on your feet. Whether they asked or not.

What’s Included?

• Runner information and the official route to help you prepare.

• Checkpoint drinks for all participants.

• Food and kit-bag arrangements for Canal Crew entrants.

• Encouragement from volunteers who choose to spend their weekend helping you through yours.

• A limited edition GUCR Belt Buckle for everyone completing the race.

• The chance to join a canal family where someone will understand why that cup of tea nearly made you cry.

How to Enter

GUCR places are allocated through a ballot, alongside guaranteed places for qualifying volunteers and eligible Canalslam entrants.

• Ballot opens: 10am, 31 October 2026.

• Ballot closes: 10am, 14 November 2026.

• Draw: 10am, 15 November 2026.

Apply through SiEntries during the entry window. Applying early won’t improve your chances, so you can put the kettle on before reaching for the keyboard.

Missed out in the 2026 ballot? Tick the relevant box for an extra ticket in the draw.

Volunteered with us in 2026? Qualifying volunteers receive a guaranteed place - submit your application and tick the volunteer box.

Fancy the Canalslam? The first 40 eligible runners to enter KACR 145 and LLCR 130, then submit their GUCR ballot application and tick the Canalslam box, receive a guaranteed GUCR place.

That’s three races and 420 miles in one year. Perhaps sit down before discussing it with your legs. All eligibility claims are checked before the draw.

A Few Important Bits

A little homework now makes for a better adventure later.

• The time limit is 45 hours: Finish by 3am on Monday 31st May, meeting checkpoint cut-offs along the way.

• This is a minimum-support event: Arrive prepared to look after yourself between checkpoints.

• On-course first aid and medical backup is provided. Retirement transport is available for Canal Crew entrants under the event arrangements.

• Crews and buddy runners must follow the race rules, including joining locations and restrictions on pacing.

Bring your determination and your sense of humour. We’ll bring the welcome. London will still be there when you arrive.