Canalathon Ultra 2027

Canalathon Ultra is a running festival on the historic Rochdale Canal, with race options from 5km up to 100km. The longer events constitute an ultra day, but the half marathon, 10km, and 5km offer runners shorter ways to engage with the same canal setting. The organizers refer to it as the “Everest” of canals, although the course itself is flat. The route follows the canal through Sowerby Bridge and into old industrial towns across Yorkshire and Lancashire. Runners do not need to navigate or climb hills; the challenge is mainly distance, pacing, and maintaining consistency on a flat towpath-style course. Entrants must be at least 16, and the published race options list upper age limits up to 98.