The events are held on canal towpaths between Leeds and Liverpool; Birmingham and London, and London and Bristol, making them available to the widest community possible. They are maintained on a not-for-profit basis to keep entry fees low, enabling runners of limited financial means to take part. An additional benefit is that the races have no entry criteria, so competitors do not have to have com
pleted expensive qualifying races before entering. In each event, at least half of the field is sustained, and given transport if necessary, by the organisers and volunteers. This makes the events achievable for those without friends or family to assist them. The friendly support given often leads to long-term friendships developing with runners stating that they feel they have joined a new family. In some cases their involvement with the races has helped to improve the mental health and social development of participants. The stakeholders are the competitors who take part and the volunteers who staff checkpoints and feed-stations along the route. The director and team each have many years’ experience of competing in, assisting at, and organising similar events. They are well respected by competitors and volunteers, who are freely able to make suggestions for improvements, and/or criticisms, directly to the organisers throughout. This brings a strong feeling of involvement, often leading to long term commitment to the events. As all event crew are unpaid volunteers, they are highly regarded throughout the community for “being there because they want to be”. This commitment has resulted in Canalrace C.I.C. events having a worldwide reputation for their friendly, family atmosphere. Financial hardship support is available to runners on a case by case basis, as part of our committment to making our events financially as inclusive as possible and accessible to all. Get in touch in confidence to discuss your situation with us – be assured that any enquiry will be kept strictly confidential.
