About This Event
The Canalathon Ultra bills itself as the 'Everest' of canals, offering runners a unique multi-distance festival along England's historic Rochdale Canal. The event spans two counties, with courses threading through rural Yorkshire before reaching the industrial heartland of Manchester, Lancashire, then returning to the starting point in Sowerby Bridge. What sets this race apart is its towpath setting, providing runners with well-maintained, mostly hard surfaces and minimal elevation changes—a rare opportunity to achieve fast times over ultra distances. The canal's numbered bridge system serves as a natural navigation aid, with runners counting up to Bridge 88A in Ancoats for the 100K or counting down for the point-to-point distances. The event draws a dedicated community of runners, with course records that speak to both the competitive field and the fast, flat nature of the terrain. The race headquarters at Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club provides comprehensive amenities including free parking, showers, and pre- and post-race refreshments, while aid stations are strategically placed every 12.5 kilometers for the ultra distances.
Choose Your Distance
10K
An out-and-back route starting and finishing at Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club at 12:30 PM. The course offers flat, fast running along the canal towpath, perfect for those seeking to achieve a personal best time.
Half Marathon
A Half Marathon mixed-terrain race, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire.
50K
A 50K mixed-terrain run, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire.
100K
An ultramarathon distance of 100K on mixed terrain, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire.