"MBCR 40 - The Welsh Run"

Malpas to Brecon. Forty miles of Welsh charm. Best bring a waterproof.

Introduction

The 2027 MonBrec Canal Race is a 40-mile adventure from Malpas to Brecon, following the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. We set off from Malpas Cricket Club at 7am on Saturday 24 April.

Leave the bustle behind and follow the towpath through leafy corridors, waterside villages and countryside that makes stopping for a photograph entirely understandable. Stopping at every picturesque bridge, however, could make this a rather lengthy day.

Whether you’re attempting your first ultra or adding another adventure to the collection, you’ll find a warm welcome in our canal family. Forty miles deserves preparation and respect, but you don’t need a cupboard full of medals to belong here.

Organised by Canalrace C.I.C., MBCR is volunteer-powered, proudly not-for-profit and full of heart. Come for the challenge, stay for the company and discover just how welcome a checkpoint chair can look.

What to Expect

• One beautiful journey: Forty miles from Malpas to Brecon, entirely on your own two feet.

• Welsh waterway charm: Locks, narrowboats, wooded stretches and views worth looking up for.

• Places with character: Pass Pontymoile Basin, Goytre Wharf and Talybont-on-Usk on your journey towards Brecon.

• Route guidance: The official route helps you follow the towpath and its crossings.

• Three supported checkpoints: Refreshments, friendly faces and encouragement when your enthusiasm needs refilling.

• 15 hours to finish: Run, walk or mix the two while keeping within event cut-offs.

• A proper welcome: First ultra or fiftieth, there’s room for you at the checkpoint table.

Meet Your Crew

At MBCR, we’re everyone’s crew.

There’s one entry category, with all participants supported by the Canalrace team along the course. No personal support crew required — just your preparation, your essential kit and a willingness to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Our volunteers will be waiting at checkpoints with refreshments and encouragement. They can’t do the miles for you, but they’re excellent at making the next few feel more manageable.

What’s Included?

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

• Three stocked checkpoints with snacks, fruit, hot and cold drinks.

• A beautiful Canalrace Medal.

• Post-run care at the finish.

• Support from volunteers who care about your day as much as your finish time.

• The chance to discover that forty miles can turn strangers into friends surprisingly quickly.

A race-morning coach transfer from Brecon to Malpas is also planned, with booking details and availability provided separately. Leave your car at the finish and enjoy the journey to the start while your legs are still feeling diplomatic.

How to Enter

Enter through SiEntries when entries open, following the instructions linked from the event page.

MBCR has one price and one support category: everyone receives support from the event team. Check the entry information for the current fee, available places and cancellation terms.

New to ultras? You’re welcome here. Give yourself time to train, read the runner information and ask us anything you’re unsure about. We’re rather fond of talking about canals.

A Few Important Bits

A little preparation leaves more room to enjoy the day.

• The time limit is 15 hours, taking you through to 10pm, with event cut-offs to observe.

• Carry the mandatory kit, including the required water capacity, waterproof jacket, light source and survival equipment.

• Download the official route before race day and keep your phone charged.

• Prepare for the gaps between checkpoints: Carry enough food and water for each section.

• Check the 2027 runner information for registration, finish arrangements, medical provision and coach bookings.

Bring your determination and your sense of humour. We’ll bring the welcome. Brecon will be waiting — and sitting down will never have felt so Welsh-earned.