The 11th Montgomery Canal Triathlon was held on 20th May 2023 – one of the biggest events to take place on or near the canal.
The Triathlon is organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and is 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 annual event has had several formats since it started in 2012 and the 2023 triathlon was a ‘super marathon’ length of about 28½ miles with almost 200 people registering for the event from far and wide in the UK – and even from France. The date was originally planned for 6th May but had to be changed after the date of the Coronation was announced – and the weather was happy and glorious for the Triathlon!
The Triathlon started at Open Newtown’s riverside venue Hafan yr Afon, where Newtown’s Mayor, Cllr. John Byrne assisted by Montgomery’s Town Crier, Sue Blower, set off about 170 cyclists on the 12-mile section to Belan. This included three major and two minor road crossings where the canal was blocked after it was closed.
Then there were 5½ miles paddling by canoe, kayak or paddleboard to Pool Quay, through the locks in Welshpool and Pool Quay, followed by 11 miles on foot to the finish at Morton (with two more road crossings at blockages on the A483 and two at minor roads). The first to arrive took just over 3¼ hours whilst the last arrived about 5 hours later after an enjoyable endurance event – not a race!
Entrants could choose to do the whole course or only one or two sections, making it a great day out for families with children, 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.
Entrants were able to see how the reinstatement of Schoolhouse Bridge and the restoration of the canal south of Crickheath Bridge had progressed. They were also able to walk or run alongside the newly restored length of canal between Pryce’s Bridge and Crickheath Basin, due to be officially opened on 2nd June 2023.
A splendid £3,600 was raised and, topped up from existing funds, a contribution of £4,000 was made to the Schoolhouse Bridge restoration fund!
Click here for the 2022 Montgomery Canal Triathlon results.
Click here for the 2021 Montgomery Canal Triathlon results.
Click here for the 2023 Montgomery Canal Triathlon results.
