Grand Union Canal 145 Mile (GUCR)
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Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Race
The Grand Union Canal 145 Mile Race is a non-stop ultramarathon that follows the fully waymarked Grand Union Canal Towpath. The route connects Gas Street Basin in Birmingham to Little Venice in London. The course is largely flat and takes participants through a combination of urban centers and rural landscapes.
The event is held under UK Athletics rules and is open to runners aged 20 or older. There are no formal entry qualifications required to participate. Runners must maintain a pace consistent with a overall 45-hour cut-off time.
The race offers two main categories for participants:
- Supported: Runners provide their own support crew. Choosing this category increases the likelihood of securing a place through the lottery system.
- Unsupported: Up to 75 places are available for runners who do not have a private crew. These participants are assisted by the event organizers.
Participants can expect feed points providing snacks and drinks approximately every 10-15 miles. While there is no medical crew on the course, the organizers provide transport to the nearest railway station for runners who need to retire from the event. Buddy runners, who must be on foot and are not considered pacers, are permitted to join participants from the 75-mile mark onward.
The field is primarily determined by a lottery draw. The event provides detailed maps for navigation along the straightforward canal path. Registration typically closes months in advance of the May race date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
