Community Canal Run
28th December 2023 – 10AM Start
Channel Events are proud to be working in partnership with Start Running Stay Running and Taunton Running Club to bring you the fabulous Community Canal Run which is totally free to take part in!
The event will start at the YMCA in Bridgwater and by taking the tow path alongside the canal and River Tone will finish at COACH in French Weir Park, Taunton. It’s a beautifully scenic route which is all off road following the tow path for 14 miles. A shorter route of 7.5 miles is also available and will start from Maunsel Lock – you will be able to either run or walk this shorter distance.
Although it is completely free to take part, it is essential that you enter via our online booking system so that we know how many to expect on the day and to ensure that you are insured to take part.
The run will be a fun community event so it won’t be timed and there won’t be medals given out, we also won’t be providing aid stations but are encouraging runners to take some money and purchase from the three cafes on route (Purple Spoon – YMCA, Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms and The Weir – COACH).
It’s a great opportunity for us to support the Canal and River Trust who have kindly given their permission and waived the licence fee for this event to take place. Although there is no fee for this event, you can show your appreciation and support by donating to the Trust – every penny you donate goes directly to the Canal and River Trust. Donations can be made here: https://canalrivertrust.org.
Apex Medical and Rescue have also kindly donated their time to provide medical cover should things go south, although we really don’t envisage this happening, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
So, why not come and burn off the over indulgences of the festive season and keep your running going in the right direction ahead of the new year.
Please note: Online entries close 2 days prior to event day. As the event is a free community canal run that is not timed, we won’t be issuing bib numbers but we do require all participants to sign up online ahead of the closing date in order to be insured. You’ll be asked to register on arrival at the YMCA or Maunsel and we ask that you check out when you finish at COACH in Taunton.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support for our social enterprise aims.
Countdown to event start!
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Everything you need to know
DATE
28th December 2023
LOCATION
14 Mile Start – YMCA Bridgwater, Friarn Avenue, Bridgwater, TA6 3RF
7.5 Mile Start – Maunsel Lock, Bankland, Bridgwater, TA7 0DH
Finish – COACH, French Weir Park, French Weir Avenue, Taunton, TA1 1AW
TIMINGS
14 Mile Registration – 09:15 – 09:50
14 Mile Run Brief – 09:55
14 Mile Run Starts – 10:00
7.5 Mile Walk/Jeff Registration – 9:15 – 9:50
7.5 Mile Walk/Jeff Brief – 9:55
7.5 Mile Walk/Jeff Starts – 10:00
7.5 Mile Jeff/Run Registration – 10:15 – 10:50
7.5 Mile Jeff/Run Brief – 10:55
7.5 Mile Jeff/Run Starts – 11:00
Jeffers can chose to start with the Walkers or the Runners for a faster pace.
DISTANCE
Choice of 14 Mile or 7.5 Mile routes.
You can either walk, jeff or run the 7.5 mile route.
COURSE
Full course details are available via our downloads page.
ROUTE MAP
PRICE – FREE!
This is a FREE community event but we would appreciate a donation being made to the Canal and River Trust. This can be completed when signing up online for the event.
Finishers Medal – £7.50 + booking fee
Finishers medals are an optional paid extra which can be purchased when signing up online at least 2 weeks in advance. Entries received less than 2 weeks in advance will not be able to purchase a medal to allow our local supplier to produce them in time.
REGISTRATION
Registration will be open between 09:15 and 09:50 for the 14 Mile Run and the 7.5 Mile Walk / Jeff and between 10:15 and 10:50 for the 7.5 Mile Jeff / Run event. All entrants will need to be signed in to take part.
BRIEFING
This will be delivered as part of the final details email that will come out the day before the event. There will be a short final reminder safety briefing on the start lines just before the first run starts
SAFETY
The event takes place during the Winter and therefore all entrants must ensure that they have appropriate clothing and hydration for the weather conditions. The route won’t be way marked as it follows the canal but a GPX file and a route map will be available to download. We also strongly advise that trail running shoes are worn. Sections of the route are wetter than others but the additional grip of a trail shoe is advised. Runners aged 8 – 16 must run with a supervising adult who has sight of them at all times. 16-17 year olds can run solo with parental consent. Unfortunately our insurance doesn’t allow under 8’s to take part.
DOGS
We’re afraid that at this stage dogs are not allowed to take part. They are very welcome to join the spectators but MUST be kept under close control. The two path is narrow in places and dogs on leads are very likely to cause accidents so we ask that you leave your canine friends at home.
FIRST AID
There will be trained first aiders from Apex Medical and Rescue along the route throughout the event. Please alert a marshal should you or a fellow runner require assistance or call the following event day emergency mobile number: 07506 859760
EQUIPMENT
The event takes place during the Winter and therefore all entrants must ensure that they have appropriate clothing and hydration for the weather conditions.The route won’t be way marked as it follows the canal but a GPX file and a route map will be available to download. We also strongly advise that trail running shoes are worn. Sections of the route are wetter than others but the additional grip of a trail shoe is advised. Don’t forget to bring your own drinking vessel. All of our events are now cupless but drinking water will be available. You can also purchase a collapsible running cup from registration which you can reuse time and time again.
PARKING
As this is a linear route we ask that you think carefully about how you get to and from the start and finish.
There won’t be any parking available at the 14 mile start and minimal at the 7.5 mile start.
The best options would be either to use the train and walk to the start or finish or lift share and ask a friend or family member to drop a group of you off at the start and collect you from the finish.
Let’s try and be as environmentally friendly as we can be please. Thank you
REFRESHMENTS
The Cafes will be open during the event and for a period before and after for you to purchase beverages and food to fuel and refuel. As this is a free event we won’t be providing aid stations but would love you to support the three cafes serving food and beverage options . We also suggest you carry some food and fluids with you so you are prepared for the whole distance.
WATER
There will be water available at the start, halfway and at the finish. Please bring a drinking vessel as we are now cupless as part of our eco ethos.
You can purchase a collapsible running cup from registration which you can reuse time and time again.
TOILETS
Toilets will be available at the cafes at the start, midway and at the end.
WEATHER
This event take place during the winter months and unfortunately we cannot control the weather. Please do make sure that you are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and the time of year. We are of course hoping to have a lovely dry crisp winter’s day!
PHOTOS
As this is a FREE event we won’t have our usual professional photographers with us.
We are hoping to find some local budding photographers to take some photos that we can make available via our Facebook page following the event. If you know anyone that could be keen, please let us know.
We’d also really appreciate you sharing any images that you may take during the event to share with the other entrants.
FINISH
We want to see you celebrate as you cross the finish line. There will be a camera linked to a laser to automatically take your finish photo! Don’t forget to smile and get those arms raised.
Once you’ve finished, don’t forget to check back in with the team and receive your medal if you’ve ordered one.
MEDAL
We know that many of you like a something to show for your efforts so we have decided to make these beautiful wooden medals available as an optional purchasable extra. Medals will be available to purchase for £7.50 + booking fee during the entry process. Medals will go off sale on the 15th December to allow our local suppliers (Burnt Chips) enough time to make them.
ORGANISING PARTNERS
Gallery
FAQs
Can I borrow equipment?
Unfortunately not, you will need to provide your own running clothing, trail running trainers and other associated equipment.
Can under 18’s take part?
Runners aged 8 – 16 must run with a supervising adult who has sight of them at all times. 16-17 year olds can run solo with parent/legal guardian consent. Unfortunately our insurance doesn’t allow under 8’s to take part.
Will my bib number be posted to me?
No, as this event is a free community fun run, we won’t be timing it and therefore bib numbers are not required.
Do I have to decide on my distance now?
There are distance options available. Please select the distance you wish to enter when entering. If you wish to change your distance on the day then simply inform us at registration.
Can I run with my dog?