Saturday, May 29, 2027
Distance
Start Time
Cutoff
Terrain
Difficulty
A non-stop 145 mile journey along the Grand Union Canal from Gas Street Basin in Birmingham to Little Venice in London, starting at 6am on Saturday and closing at 3am on Monday for a 45 hour limit. Runners may run, walk or mix the two, keeping within checkpoint cut-offs along the way.
145 miles of Grand Union Canal towpath from Birmingham to London
Start at Gas Street Basin in Birmingham, finish at Little Venice in London
Mostly gentle gradients with the hills left out of the picture
Overland paths around tunnels, with maps and route information supplied
Narrowboats, canalside villages and quiet countryside along the way
Limited edition GUCR belt buckle for every finisher
Qualification
Start / Finish
Gas Street Basin, Birmingham, starting at 6am on Saturday 29 May 2027
Little Venice, London, closing at 3am on Monday 31 May 2027
Terrain
Route
Getting There
Race Day
What to bring
Mobile phone (switched on)
Survival blanket (140cm x 200cm minimum)
Torch or headlamp with spare batteries (at night)
Reflective clothing (for road sections at night)
Own cup for drinks
Digital route (provided)
What you get
Runner information and the official route to help runners prepare
Supplied maps and route information, including the overland paths around tunnels
Limited edition GUCR belt buckle for everyone completing the race
On-course first aid and medical backup
Retirement transport for Canal Crew entrants
Encouragement from volunteers across the weekend
On the day
Bag drop
Marshals on course
First aid on course
Before you enter
Other questions
Places are allocated through a ballot rather than first come, first served. The ballot opens at 10am on 31 October 2026 and closes at 10am on 14 November 2026, and the draw takes place at 10am on 15 November 2026. Applications are made through SiEntries during that window, and applying early does not improve your chances.
Canal Crew means the event volunteers act as your crew, providing checkpoint food, refreshments and kit-bag support as set out in the runner manual. Bring Your Own Crew means your own team supports you throughout the race, following the event crew and access guidance, bringing familiar faces and your favourite supplies.
Yes. If you missed out in the 2026 ballot, tick the relevant box on your application for an extra ticket in the 2027 draw.
If you volunteered with the event in 2026, qualifying volunteers receive a guaranteed place. Submit your application and tick the volunteer box. All eligibility claims are checked before the draw.
The Canalslam is three CanalRace events and 420 miles in one year. 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 claims are checked before the draw.
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Saturday, May 29, 2027
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