Now in its nineteenth installment, the 145-mile Grand Union Canal Race (GUCR) is a race that captures the imagination of ultrarunners who’ve witnessed it and it’s considered to be one of the classic ultras in England. Given it’s basically a flat run along a canal path, it doesn’t have mountains or dramatic scenery, but it creates a unique atmosphere that fosters a loyal following. The GUCR is a small event, limited to 90 runners on a first come, first served basis and is held over the bank holiday three-day weekend at the end of May.
Course
The race covers the 145-mile trail from the Britain’s second largest city, Birmingham, to London on the Grand Union Canal towpath with a 45-hour cut-off. This route is an amalgamation of several canal systems, created in its current form in 1929 to better compete for business transportation cargo with the road system. Several other races use portions of the GUC, especially near London, but none are as long as the GUCR.
It’s hard to get lost on the Grand Union course. Photo: James Adams
Given this is a canal towpath, it’s an effectively flat route on non-technical trails with some paved sections. It doesn’t have race markings although there are canal signs and the general rule is if you can’t see water then you’re probably lost. Maps are required but the main place you can go off course is near London where a left turn off the wider expanse of water is required at Bull’s Bridge, about a half marathon from the finish at Little Venice.
Dangerous animals are not a risk, although hissing geese with newborn chicks have been known to temporarily hold up runners. Other unique features include the chance to race barges (they move at five miles per hour) and dodging drunk locals celebrating the three-day weekend and shouting original thoughts like, “Run, Forrest, Run.” (None of us have ever heard that before.) When fatigued at night there’s certainly a small risk of falling in the canal, too.
The course map.
Runners are recommended to have their own support crews, but up to 40 unsupported runners can be catered for by the organizers for an additional fee. Aid stations are few and far between with only nine along the 145 miles, compared to 24 along the Western States 100 route over a shorter distance. Crews are allowed throughout but pacers can only join runners from mile 70. An unusual rule is that resting for more than 40 minutes at a time is not permitted so there can be no long snoozing at aid stations despite the race lasting up to two days.
The Men’s And Women’s Fields
The main focus of the race is the experience and it doesn’t generally attract a deep field, although often members of the Great Britain 24-hour team attend. Last year it was won outright by Debbie Martin-Consani in a female course record.
Runners and spectators enjoying the event. Photo: James Adams
Course Records
- Men: Pat Robbins – 25:37 (2011)
- Women: Debbie Martin-Consani – 28:01 (2012)
