The 2025 Montgomery Canal Triathlon will be the 13th that we have held – 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 is an endurance event – not a race – and entrants can 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 complete a section receive 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, owing to restoration works on the canal – and will be around 27-28 miles in 2025.
The triathlon is usually held in May but is expected to be on 6th September this year and will be subject to any restrictions which may be in force. Bookings are due to open later in the year and, if you would like to be on the waiting list for contact once final details are confirmed, please let us know at: triathlon@themontgomerycanal.org.uk
The Triathlon starts at Open Newtown’s riverside venue in Newtown for the 12½ mile cycling section to Whitehouse near Belan. It includes 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 are 5 miles by canoe to Pool Quay, through Welshpool Town lock and Pool Quay lock, followed by about 9½ miles on foot to the finish near Crickheath (with two more road crossings at blockages on the A483 and two at minor roads). The finish is near Schoolhouse Bridge, which was successfully reinstated with volunteer funding and officially opened in 2024 – an amazing achievement which entrants can see for themselves!
Before they set off on the cycling stretch, entrants can 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 is available at the Pool Quay canoeing/walking transition area. After the event, free transport is available for entrants from the FINISH back to the START in Newtown, via the Pool Quay and Whitehouse transition areas (although entrants have to transport their own bikes and canoes after the event). Transport to the START in the morning is not provided.
A limited number of ‘Canadian’ (open) canoes, kayaks and paddleboards plus kit may be available to hire from a local supplier, on a first come first served basis. Canoes are not available from the Friends of the Montgomery Canal.
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.