Grand Union Canal Race

The Grand Union Canal in England is part of the British canal system. Its main line starts in London and ends in Birmingham, stretching for 137 miles (220 km) with 166 locks. It has arms to places including Leicester, Slough, Aylesbury, Wendover and Northampton. The Grand Union Canal was also the original name for part of what is now part of the Leicester Line of the modern Grand Union: this latter is now generally referred to as the Old Grand Union Canal to avoid ambiguity. This is home to the annual Grand Union Canal Race.

 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.