Birmingham Canal Canter
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Birmingham Canal Canter
The Birmingham Canal Canter is a circular walking and running event on Sunday 2 August 2026, organised by LDWA Heart Of England. Routes start and finish at Moseley Rugby Club in Birmingham (B13 0TP) and this year the course runs anticlockwise.
Three route options are available:
- Mini Canter - 18.5 miles, river and canal route
- Canter Marathon - 26.5 miles, includes Edgbaston Reservoir and the Soho loop
- Maxi Canter - 30 miles, includes a visit to Spaghetti Junction
The routes are mostly off road, about 98% according to the organiser, with little ascent and no stiles. They follow a range of waterways including the Stratford Canal, Worcester and Birmingham Canal, New Main Line, Fazeley and Grand Union Canals, and the River Cole. The marathon and maxi routes include Edgbaston Reservoir and the Soho loop; the marathon route also uses tunnels under Curzon Street and Ashfield Road.
Landmarks on the routes include Kings Norton Guillotine Lock, Bournville, Birmingham city centre features such as Gas Street Basin and the Indoor Arena, Mathew Boulton's Soho Manufactory, Winson Green, and Sarehole Mill. Wildlife sightings may include foxes, herons, kingfishers and egrets.
Checkpoint provision varies by route with food and cold drinks provided. Participants must bring their own mug or drinking vessel. The finish area offers hot and cold drinks, a meal with vegetarian and vegan options, showers and free parking. All finishers receive a badge and a certificate. Route descriptions and GPX files will be issued before the event. There is an annual cake competition with details issued in July 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
