“I would never sign up to a 145-mile race along a canal!”
That’s exactly what I said to my friend Sarah – before I signed up to do three canal races in summer 2018. Doh! 😣
But after spending time running, crewing, and volunteering at these amazing events, I’ve realised canal races are way more accessible (and a whole lot more fun!) than many people think.
Let’s bust some common myths and maybe get you one step closer to the start line.
Myth 1: Lost on the Towpath
Picture this: You’re used to running marathons with crowds cheering at every mile marker. Then someone mentions ‘canal race’ and your mind conjures endless, unmarked towpaths. But guess what? Canal races have a surprising navigational secret… one that might actually be more fun than following the crowds.
Sure, there won’t be neon signs every few feet. But expect well-marked paths, bridge numbers and lock numbers to count off. And the best part? With a mostly linear course, getting lost is way harder than you think. Trust me, even as someone as navigationally challenged as me – I have never felt lost in a canal race.
This means less time stressing about navigation and more time enjoying the unique scenery and journey of a canal race.
Myth 2: Don’t Fear the Night: The Unexpected Magic of Canal Races After Dark
Forget horror movies and creepy forests. Nighttime in a canal race is anything BUT scary. In fact, it’s one of the race’s hidden gems! Here’s why…
Sure, there might be a fewer people cheering than at a city marathon. But that’s replaced by something truly special: tranquility, starry skies, and the warm glow of fellow runners’ headlamps lighting the way. It’s an experience that transforms your run into a journey of focus and discovery.
Nighttime running on a canal offers a unique sensory experience and a sense of peaceful adventure you won’t find in many races. So get that headtorch strapped on and embrace the energy.
Myth 3: The Sleep Deprivation Monster
You’re used to running marathons where a good night’s sleep is crucial. Then you hear about canal races, and imagine days of running on no rest. But guess what? Canal races have a surprising sleep secret…
Sure, sleep is important – but in ultras, consistent forward motion often trumps the perfect night’s rest. You’ll likely grab short naps at aid stations, maybe even walk for a bit, but you won’t be clocking in 8-hour sleeps like you do at home. I’ll never forget, during the Grand Union Canal Race, I saw a fellow runner curled up like a cat on a bench, snoozing for 20 minutes right in the middle of the day. He woke up refreshed, continued the race, and finished strong!
This means you can tackle an ultra without obsessing over a strict sleep schedule – and might even discover the power of short naps as race fuel! It’s also worth practicing self hypnosis to help you nap quickly.
Myth 4: Ultra Training Myths: Busting the ‘Mega Miles’ Monster
Ever hear experienced ultra runners talk about their insane training runs? 50, 60 miles at a time? It’s enough to make any marathon finisher want to hide under the covers! But here’s the secret: you DON’T have to become a mileage monster to conquer ultras.
It’s not about a single epic run, but consistency, strategy, and the mental shift of knowing you CAN keep going. Canal races, with their aid stations and manageable terrain, are a fantastic place to start that journey. Plenty of successful runners come from shorter distances, building up gradually. Remember, it’s about steady progress and trusting your preparation … and maybe grabbing a quick aid station nap along the way! 😉
Myth 5: One Canal, One Race? Nope!
Think canal races are just endless, unchanging scenery with the same few distances? Prepare to be amazed! From iconic challenges to welcoming local events, there’s a canal race to fuel your ultra dreams.
The Grand Union canal race is 145 miles long going between Birmingham and London. I dub it “the vibey one”. Its during late May bank holiday and there are lots of narrow boaters out and loads of race crews. Read my blog about when I did it in 2018.
The Kennet and Avon Canal Race is 145 miles long between Bristol and London. For me it is the “hot one”. Purely because it is in late July and you’ll likely experience a mix of weather. Hot and stormy. Read about my experience from 2018 here.
The Liverpool Leeds Canal Race is 130 miles long and you guessed where it goes already! I think this is the prettiest one. It sounds super urban but with that comes industrial heritage and the beauty also of the dales. I completed it in 2018 (I failed the first time in 2016). Check out my blog from 2018.
The Warwickshire ring is 111 miles long and is a loop starting in Coventry and taking in the Grand Union and Oxford canals. I did this in 2022 – the first time it ran – and is an ideal one to dip your toe into canal races – but without any disrespect – I dub the race the “one with the crappy Oxford canal” because it leaves you with lacerations from brambles on that stretch of canal. Read more here from 2022.
Canal races are a great entry point into ultras, don’t let the fear of extreme training mileage hold you back. It’s worth noting that the entry requirements are not demanding – can you read instructions and have you completed a marathon?
Why not check out the CanalraceCIC website and see which one you fancy doing first?
If you are already sold on a canal – why not read up about the Canal Slam and my experience from 2018 at the end of that blog?
The Untraining Ultrarunner 