Places on this year’s Montgomery Canal Triathlon are going fast, according to organisers.
The event, which starts in Newtown and heads 35 miles along the canal to Welsh Frankton, takes place on Saturday, 18 May.
The event is organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and brings entrants from across the country to cycle, walk and canoe. Nearly a quarter of the places have already been booked.
This year’s event is supported by a grant from the ‘Bags of Help’ scheme voted for by shoppers at the Tesco store in Newtown.
Christine Palin, Friends of the Montgomery Canal chairman, said: “The Montgomery Canal Triathlon is one of the highlights of a year when so many exciting things are happening on the canal.
“We have a growing number of regular entrants who come each year, often bringing friends to join the event for the first time.
“We already have 60 bookings from as far away as Portsmouth and Edinburgh. To make the event manageable for those taking part, and for the organisers, we do have to limit the number of people who can join, so we encourage everyone to book early.
“The Triathlon is organised to support the restoration of the Montgomery Canal. A lot is happening on the canal this year with continuing improvements to the towpath, new canalside nature reserves and the restoration to Crickheath Wharf, all supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“In addition, the Restore the Montgomery Canal Appeal is hoping to raise the last funds needed to rebuild the last bridge blockage in Shropshire, so we are asking entrants to get sponsorship to help with more progress on the restoration of this special canal.
“This is the biggest event on the canal and we need to provide a lot of support for entrants. We have a regular team of volunteers who come to help with stewarding and transport, but we are always on the lookout for more.
“If there is anyone who thinks that 35 miles of cycling, walking and paddling is not for them, there is a great opportunity to take part in a friendly event and help those who do.”
Booking details are at www.montgomerycanal.me.uk/may2019.html and montcanaltriath@btinternet.com. The closing date for entries is 4 May.
