"KACR 145 - The Great Western Run"

London to Bristol. A weekend away with considerably more walking than the brochure suggested.

Introduction

The 2027 Kennet & Avon Canal Race is a 145-mile, non-stop adventure from London to Bristol, following historic canal towpaths and riverside trails through southern England.

Leave Little Venice behind and journey through changing landscapes, from the Thames and bustling waterside towns to quiet Wiltshire countryside. Pass narrowboats, impressive aqueducts and people enjoying leisurely pub lunches. Try to look pleased for them.

Whether you’re an experienced ultra runner or ready to explore a new distance, you’ll find a warm welcome in our canal family. No formal qualifying races are required, but preparation, training and respect for the challenge are essential. A fondness for snacks certainly won’t hurt.

Organised by Canalrace C.I.C., KACR 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 remarkable journey: London to Bristol, entirely under your own steam.

• History with every mile: Canal engineering, riverside towns and countryside best appreciated at towpath speed.

• Memorable landmarks: From the Kennet Valley to Caen Hill Locks, Dundas Aqueduct and Bath. Quite the sightseeing trip, if an unconventional one.

• Route guidance: Supplied maps and route information to keep your adventure heading west.

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

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

• Long stretches between checkpoints: Plan your food and water carefully. Admiring a narrowboat’s kettle doesn’t count as a hydration strategy.

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. Friendly faces become particularly welcome when you’ve spent the last hour discussing dinner with yourself.

Bring Your Own Crew — your people, your preferred biscuits.
Your own team supports you throughout the race, following our crew and access guidance. They bring familiar faces, favourite supplies and the patience to hear about the same blister more than once.

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 put the heart into every checkpoint.

• A finisher’s memento for everyone completing the race.

• Shared miles, unexpected friendships and a thoroughly earned sit-down in Bristol.

How to Enter

KACR entry is first come, first served through SiEntries — no ballot required.

Entries for 2027 open at 10am on 31st October 2026. Choose Canal Crew or Bring Your Own Crew, then follow the entry instructions to secure your place.

Fancy the Canalslam? Complete GUCR 145, KACR 145 and LLCR 130 in the same year: three races, 420 miles and a fairly persuasive reason to buy more socks.

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. Eligibility is checked before the draw.

A Few Important Bits

A little preparation now means fewer surprises somewhere in Wiltshire.

• The time limit is 45 hours, with checkpoint cut-offs along the route.

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

• Checkpoint gaps can be substantial: Carry enough food, water and essential kit for each section.

• Retirement transport is available for Canal Crew entrants under the event arrangements.

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

• Check the 2027 runner information for confirmed race timings, medical provision and final event arrangements.

Bring your determination and your sense of humour. We’ll bring the welcome. Bristol will be a sight for sore eyes — and several other sore bits.