The Canal Race has been held since 1998 and is an out and back route following the canal out towards Meadowhall with the turnaround point just after the HalfPenny Bridge, Tinsley, before heading back to Rotherham and the finish line. 

The 5 mile route was, for the most part until 2012, all firm trail and took in a circuit of Blackburn nature reserve but with tarmac being laid along the canal towpath from Rotherham to Meadowhall in early 2013, it effectively became a 'road race'. 

Ongoing renovations to Rotherham's flood defences since 2019 have meant that 2 laps of the nature reserve have now been re-incorporated into the route - one at the start and one at the finish.   

As with the Kimmy Kanter, the Canal Race forms part of the 'KMR' series held in conjunction with Maltby Running Club and Rotherham Harriers.

This year’s race was held on 1 November 2026. Details of the next race will be posted on social media a few weeks prior to the event.

Route details are as follows: