Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Race
Info: New entries for this event closed on Thursday 31st October 2024.
Supported: £70 (Attached) £72 (Unattached) |
The Long Run - Uphill
Introduction
The 2025 GUC race will once again be “Uphill” from London to Birmingham.
Held under UK:Athletics rules and with the kind permission of The Canal & River Trust, this non-stop 145 mile race is from Gas Street Basin, Birmingham, along the way-marked Grand Union Canal Towpath to Little Venice, London. Competitors who must be 20 or over, are recommended to have their own support crews, but up to 75 Unsupported runners can be catered for by the Organisers, Canalrace C.I.C.. Trail Running Association Permit Number: TBC
Regarded by many as Britain’s premier Ultra, this is a 145 mile continuous race from Gas Street Basin in the Centre of Birmingham, to Little Venice in the heart of London. Run entirely on the waymarked Grand Union Canal Towpath, the easy to navigate, and relatively flat route, takes runners through a variety of urban and rural scenery – there should be something for everyone.
This is a race organised by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts. It is definitely “old school”; definitely low key, and definitely a long way. There are no entry qualifications (other than that you must be over twenty and willing to give it a good try) so runners of all abilities are welcomed. Entrants should, though, be aware that they must be able to maintain a rate of progress in line with an overall time limit of 45 hours.
GUCR is the first of a three race series “The Canalslam” totalling over 400 miles. Each race can be entered as a one-off, but competitors completing all three receive a special award.
- Easy route navigation – detailed maps and a canal to follow.
- Plenty of support – snacks and drinks every 10 –15 miles.
- Transport for retirees – a lift to the nearest station for anyone having a bad day.
- Easy to meet cut-off times – simply in line with the generous overall time limits.
- No qualification – previous experience of just a marathon has proven enough.
Course Records
Men: 22:16 Dan Lawson (2015); Ladies: 25:45 Samantha Amend (2021)
Entry
Thank you for your interest to compete in the 2025 GUCR. Below is a guide to the two-step entry process.
Please visit the GUCR 2025 How to Enter page on the canalrace.org.uk website for full and up to date race information. Pre-Entry Notes, Terms & Conditions and Rules should be read and fully understood before entering.
STEP 1: PRE-REGISTER on SiEntries by the end of 31st October. No payment is taken. An automatic email will be sent to confirm race pre-registration. Make sure to enter the correct email address belonging to the runner being pre-registered.
The lottery Draw will be conducted at a pub in early November, full details of the time and location will be provided to entrants closer to the time. Runners are welcome to attend, witness and participate. Those successful in the Draw will be 'Invited' back to SiEntries by email within a few days after the Draw in order to make payment and confirm their place. Unsuccessful entrants will also be notified.
Note: To significantly improve chances of success at the draw, we encourage choosing the Supported (with own crew) category. Due to the high demand for an Unsupported (tended by organisers) place, versus the very limited places available.
STEP 2: ACCEPT THE INVITATION to enter the Grand Union Canal 145 mile Race, issued by email to those successful in the Draw. Follow the instructions, clicking the link to re-visit SiEntries to make payment and confirm entry. The Entry List will be automatically updated with the entrants' name.
N.B. This event:
- is minimum support, but with feed points at 12, 25, 46, 61, 75, 92, 109, 123 and 134 miles for Unsupported runners. Drinks available for all competitors at these points;
- has no first aid or medical backup, but provides transport for retiring Unsupported entrants;
- welcomes support crews throughout, and solo buddy runners (not pacers) on foot and only from 75 miles;
- has checkpoint cut-off times in line with an overall time-limit of 45 hours (i.e. to finish by 0300 hours on Monday);
- is limited to 100 starters in total. Most places will be allocated by lottery draw.
View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.
View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.
Other events in the Canalslam
| Fri 25 Jul 25 | Kennet & Avon Canal 145 Mile Race |
| Sat 23 Aug 25 | Leeds & Liverpool Canal 130 Mile Race |
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