Get away from the road races of London and enjoy the clean air and scenic surroundings of the Grand Union Canal. 

 

The classic point-to-point race begins in Uxbridge (a short hop down from the Piccadilly and Metropolitan Line station) and follows the iconic, historical waterside all the way up to Watford (for Metropolitan, Overground and National Rail services).

 

This race is offered twice per year, in the peak trail-running months of April and November, to make the best of the changing natural landscape. You’ll pass by houseboats, pubs, and country manors to inspire future trips and nature reserves that’ll make you wonder how you’re only 30 minutes from central London. 

 

With a strict runner limit and a waved start - to ensure plenty of room on the narrower sections of towpath - you’ll have room to enjoy the adventure of the trails whilst amongst great company at all paces.

 

A pre-race coach transfer is available from the finish (Cassiobury Park, Watford) to the start (Cowley Recreation Ground, Uxbridge). Park your car at the finish prior to the event, take our coach to the start and have your car waiting for you when you cross the finish line.

 

Further information with respect to the logistics and times of these transfers will be communicated closer to the event but places must be pre-booked, on the day requests will not be available. There are no transport options provided after the event.

 

All of our events are organised following government and governing body COVID-19 guidance. We will continue to ensure that we deliver safe and enjoyable events.

 

Entry on the day will be subject to availability and a £5 surcharge.

 

For event updates and future promotions, follow Purple Patch Running on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Event Details

 

Licensing

These events will not be licensed.

 

Bib Numbers

Bib numbers are available for collection at the event only, participants should not expect to receive anything by mail.

 

Results

Results will be uploaded live to our website (internet connection permitting) and communicated to all pre-registered participants within 24 hours of each event.

 

Rewards

All finishers will receive a medal on completing their event and, subject to a competitive field of participants, prizes may be available for the top three places overall - and the top place in each of the veteran categories (V40/V50/V60/V70) - for both females and males. Winners will be notified via email by the end of the following week once results are considered final.

 

Pacers

Pacers will not be offered at these events.

 

Facilities

 

Medical Cover

Suitable medical cover is provided at our events in case of a medical emergency. 

 

Bag Drop

Whilst we recommend bringing as little as possible, participants can leave essential belongings with us using the tear-off baggage strip on their bib.

 

Photography

Event images are expected to be available, usually within 24 hours of each event.

 

Water Stations

Water will be available on the route.

 

Toilets

Toilets will be available at the start (until the last runner has departed) and finish areas for use throughout the event. Toilets will not be available on the route.

 

Changing Rooms/Showers 

There are no dedicated changing rooms/showers.

 

Other Information

 

Wheelchairs

These events are not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the terrain.

 

Buggies, Pushchairs and Strollers

These events are not suitable buggies, pushchairs, strollers (or similar) due to the nature of the terrain.

 

 

Spectators

Spectators are permitted at these events.

 

Earphones/Headphones 

Noise-cancelling earphones/headphones are prohibited and, whilst we discourage the use of other earphones/headphones in running events, participants choosing to use them should ensure they are set to a low enough volume that instructions from event officials can be clearly understood. 

 

Dogs

Participants must not be accompanied by a personally owned or controlled dog during an event. Entries may be accepted from participants with medical assistance dogs, subject to them being correctly registered and identifiable as such, and subject to prior approval by the Event Director.

 

Location

Directions

For details on planning your journey and available parking facilities at the start, please visit https://archive.hillingdon.gov.uk/cowleyrecreationground but note that event parking will only be available at Galliford Try, 2 Cowley Business Park, High Street, Cowley, UXBRIDGE. UB8 2AL.

For details relating to the finish, please visit http://cassioburypark.info/directions-to-cassiobury-park but note that at the Shepherds Road entrance (near to the Cha Café), access is available for pedestrians only.

Further details with respect to planning your journey and available parking facilities will be communicated prior to the event to all registered participants.