Competitors were out in force to take part in this year’s Montgomery Canal Triathlon.
The twelfth Montgomery Canal Triathlon brought 175 entrants to the warm and sunny Montgomery Canal.
Runners came from across Britain, as far as away as Derbyshire, Essex, Lancashire, Somerset, Yorkshire – and even France and Holland.
The event organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal in aid of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal and is supported by the canal owners, the Canal & River Trust.
They had come to cycle, canoe and hike the 27 miles from Newtown to Crickheath, near Oswestry; most entrants attempted all three sections.
Chairman of the Friends of the Montgomery Canal Christine Palin said the events enduring appeal was down to the welcoming atmosphere.
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“So many people come back to the Montgomery Canal Triathlon year after year because it is such a friendly event,” said Ms Palin. “It is an endurance event rather than a race and many people take much of the day to complete it, some over eight hours. Others however want to better their previous times and arrive at the finish just over three hours from the start.
“The Triathlon raises funds for the restoration and it is a great advertisement for the area too.
“It takes many months for our volunteer team to set up the Triathlon and we call on a hundred supporters to help at the event and they enjoy it as much as those taking part. We are always glad of more help, though we cannot guarantee that it will always be as warm and sunny as today.”
Deputy Mayor of Newtown, Councillor Mike Childs, wished entrants good luck before they set off.
This year participants changed to canoes near Whitehouse Bridge.
After paddling through the centre of Welshpool they left their canoes at Pool Quay ready for the final 9½ mile walk across the border at Llanymynech to the finish at Schoolhouse Bridge, the newest structure on the canal.
Michael Limbrey, Chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said, “It has been great to see so many people enjoying the canal again this year. The restored Montgomery Canal is a unique cross-border linear attraction for wildlife, history, and recreation and well-being.
“It will be a great boost for the area helping make it attractive for people to live and work, as well as visit.
“Restoration concentrates on the canal’s ecology and history. At the same time bridge improvements will make road crossings safer for walkers and cyclists and coming months will see more works under the UK government Levelling-Up Fund.
“Two blocked bridges near Carreghofa will be rebuilt and new nature reserves will be created to enhance the canal’s ecology.”
Canal! appeal which is always glad to receive donations at https://localgiving.org/appeal/restorethemontgomerycanal/ .
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