Over 130 competitors appeared at the hugely popular Montgomery canal Triathlon this weekend.

The triathlon began in Newtown on May 7 and was organised by Friends of the Montgomery Canal.

The event saw competitors take on 12 miles of cycling from Newtown to Belan, 5.5 mil by canoe through Welshpool to Pool Quay, and 9.5 miles on foot to the finish line.

This year’s triathlon marked 10 years of the event, only interrupted in 2020 by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Newtown Mayor Richard Williams was present for the race’s start.

He said: “It’s great to be here in the middle of Newtown this morning with 130 competitors taking part in the triathlon.

“It’s a fantastic event for Newtown that raises great money for restoring the canal.”

Christine Palin, chairman of the Friends of the Montgomery Canal said: “The triathlon is the biggest event on the Montgomery Canal and shows all that this special canal has to offer, as well as the terrific border country it runs through.

“As well as showing off the canal and our border countryside, the triathlon is a great fund-raiser for future restoration.

“The exciting thing is that thanks to a government grant of nearly £15 million we expect work to start soon on the section south of Llanymynech and on Schoolhouse Bridge at Crickheath, the last road blockage in Shropshire, where the event finishes.”