Event Postponed. See announcement here.

UK Running Series, in a joint-collaboration with Scottish Canals, is proud to present the 1st event of the SCOTTISH CANALS CHALLENGE, set to take place at Falkirk Wheel, Scotland on Sunday 5 March 2023.

Please note that out of respect for the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (a day before the 10 Sep 2022 race), our running event was postponed and will now be held on Sun 5 March 2023.

Join us in the festivities as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Union Canal and the 20th anniversary of Falkirk Wheel with a run along the canal. The event is open to athletes of all abilities and includes a Half Marathon, 10K & 5K for adults and 3K & 1K fun run for juniors. 

ABOUT FALKIRK WHEEL

Visit Scotland's most exciting example of 21st century engineering, The Falkirk Wheel is the world's only rotating boat lift - lifting boats 115 ft which links the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. It is already being recognised as an iconic landmark worthy of Scotland's traditional engineering expertise. Designed to replace a series of lock gates built in the 19th century, The Falkirk Wheel is the showpiece of the Millennium Link project where coast-to-coast navigation of the canals has been re-established for the first time in over 40 years. The Wheel is great for a family day out with Mini Canal & Water Play Park, Water Activity Zone, Cycle Hire, Water Zorbing, Canoeing, Boat trips and Woodland Walks. 

ABOUT UNION CANAL

The Union Canal runs from Falkirk to Edinburgh, constructed to bring minerals, especially coal, to the capital. It was opened in 1822. The canal is listed as three individual scheduled monuments by Historic Scotland according to the three former counties, Midlothian, West Lothian and Stirlingshire, through which it flows. It has benefited from a general revival of interest in canals and, as a result of the Millennium Link, was reopened in 2001 and reconnected to the Forth and Clyde Canal in 2002 by the Falkirk Wheel. It is now in popular use for leisure purposes.


SCOTTISH CANALS CHALLENGE

This is the 1st event of the 4-race series covering Union Canal, Forth & Clyde Canal, Crinan Canal & Caledonian Canal. The event is limited to 300 runners and is guaranteed to sell out quickly. All finishers will receive a bespoke medal and there will be awards for the Top 3 finishers in Open, Masters and Junior races.

Our aid stations are vegetarian and vegan-friendly and we follow a strict COVID-19 protocol.

DISTANCES:

Adults (Age 16+): HM, 10K & 5K
Juniors (Age 9-15): 3K
Juniors (Age 3-15): 1K Fun Run

COST:

HM: £25.00 (Affiliated)
10K: £17.00 (Affiliated)
5K: £12.00 (Affiliated)
3K: £9.00
1K: £9.00

For non-affiliated adult runners, there is an additional £2 fee.

START TIMES:

10:00 AM: Half Marathon
11:00 AM: 10K
11:15 AM: 5K
11:20 AM: 3K
11:30 AM: 1K

The course will officially close at 1pm for all distances.

BIB COLLECTION:

The registration desk will open at 9:30AM and will close 15 minutes before the start of each race.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

1) Aid Station at the Start / Finish.
2) Race Bib.
3) First aid support.
4) Course marshals.
5) Public liability insurance.
6) Custom-designed finisher medal for all distances.

In an effort to make our events as environmentally friendly as possible, all our events are cup-less. We will provide water but you will need to bring your own refillable bottle.

AWARDS:

There will be awards for top 3 finishers in the following categories.

1) Top 3 Open (Under 40’s) Male / Female in HM, 10K & 5K
2) Top 3 Masters (Over 40’s) Male / Female in HM, 10K & 5K.
3) Top 3 Juniors (9-15) Male / Female in 3K

The award ceremony will start at approximately 11:15 AM.

COURSE:

The course is slightly hilly at the Falkirk Wheel but flatter on the canal, and is suitable for participants of all physical abilities. The complete course is traffic free, but will be open to public who may be walking or biking along the canal.

21.1K: Three out and back loops of 7.03K
10K: Two out and back loops of 5K
5K: One out and back loop of 5K
3K: One out and back loop of 3K
1K: One loop of 1K around the park

TOILETS:

Toilets are located close to the registration desk and Start / Finish area.

PARKING:

There is plenty of parking at the Falkirk Wheel. The cost is £3.50.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION:

The first 50 people to sign up by June 10, 2022 will receive a 10% discount! Use the discount code "EARLYBIRDSPECIAL" to register. 

FREE RACE PLACES:

Our volunteer marshals add so much to our events which is why we reward them with a free entry. This can be for themselves for the following race or a family member or friend for that same race. For more information or to register please e-mail: hello@ukrunningseries.com

REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS:

Should the event need to be cancelled, postponed or rescheduled due to any reason beyond our control, all entries will be automatically transferred to the following local event. Due to the expenses incurred in organising these events, we are only able to offer a transfer and are unable to offer any form of refund. For full race terms and conditions please visit the registration portal.

CONTACT RACE DIRECTOR:

Email: hello@ukrunningseries.com