The 2024 Montgomery Canal Triathlon on 18th May 2024 was the 12th – one of the biggest events to take place on or near the canal.
The Triathlon was organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and was supported by the Canal & River Trust in aid of the restoration of the Montgomery Canal. It is one of the most popular cross border events, starting in Newtown in Wales and ending in Shropshire.
This was an endurance event – not a race – and entrants could choose to do the whole course or only one or two sections, making it a great day out for families with children, groups of friends, experienced triathletes and those who enjoy just a communal bike ride, paddle or walk. All entrants who completed a section received a commemorative medallion made from local slate.
This annual event has had several formats since it started in 2012. Recently, it has been a special ‘marathon’ length of about 27 miles, owing to restoration works on the canal – and, after a brief change in 2023, it was again 27 miles in 2024.
The Triathlon started at Open Newtown’s riverside venue in Newtown for the 12½ mile cycling section to Whitehouse near Belan. It included road crossings at three blockages on the A483 and two at minor roads where bridges were demolished after the canal’s 1944 abandonment.
Then there were 5 miles by canoe to Pool Quay, through Welshpool Town lock and Pool Quay lock, followed by 9½ miles on foot to the finish at Crickheath (with two more road crossings at blockages on the A483 and two at minor roads). As in 2022, the finish was at Schoolhouse Bridge, now successfully reinstated with volunteer funding – an amazing achievement which entrants were able to see for themselves!
Before they set off on the cycling stretch, entrants were able to park – for the day if necessary – in the Back Lane pay & display carpark next to the START in Newtown and drop their canoes off at the cycling/canoeing transition area at Whitehouse near Belan. Free car parking was available at the Pool Quay canoeing/walking transition area. After the event, free transport was available for entrants from the FINISH back to the START in Newtown, via the Pool Quay and Whitehouse transition areas (although entrants had to transport their own bikes and canoes after the event). Transport to the START in the morning was not provided this year
A limited number of ‘Canadian’ (open) canoes, kayaks and paddleboards plus kit were available to hire online from local supplier, Hire-a-Canoe on a first come first served basis. Canoes were not available from the Friends of the Montgomery Canal this year.
Click here for the 2024 Montgomery Canal Triathlon results.
Click here for the 2023 Montgomery Canal Triathlon results.
Click here for the 2022 Montgomery Canal Triathlon results.
Click here for the 2021 Montgomery Canal Triathlon results.