THE organisers of the Montgomery Canal Triathlon have hailed the turnout as hundreds of participants took part under a clear blue sky.
The 28.5-mile event took place on Saturday, May 20 and started by Hafan Yr Afon in Newtown where the participants cycled to Belan near Welshpool where they got into canoes and headed to Crowther Hall Lock in Pool Quay and walked to the finishing point in Morton, south of Oswestry.
The event has been organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and chairman, Christine Palin was pleased with the turnout.
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She said: "We are so delighted with the turnout.
"We are nearly full in every section, I think we have got 179 people taking part.
"Most people are taking on all three sections."
The Friends of the Montgomery Canal chairman mentioned that some of the funds will contribute towards the restoration of the canal.
She said: "Some of the funds paid will go towards it.
"We have St John's Ambulance, road signs and other things we have to pay for.
"Over the years the Friends of the Mongtomery Canal have donated £30,000 to the restoration."
Christine also spoke about the Triathlon helping promote the canal route to visitors.
She said: "It highlights the canal and brings people onto the towpath.
"I have had people say to me that they never knew it was so beautiful.
"So people will come and use it more.
"It is not just about the funds we raise, it is about people enjoying themselves and seeing what we have to offer.
"And what a day to do it on."
Christine spoke about the distance being the toughest part of the course.
She said: "It is not a particularly tough course, but it is long.
"Some people find it quite hard towards the end.
"The last stretch is 11 miles.
"The challenge is the distance more than anything else."
Christine thanked Newtown and Welshpool Town Council for their support and volunteers for helping the event run.
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She said: "I would like to highlight the support of Newtown and Welshpool Town Council and the mayors of both towns.
"The Newtown town clerk is a marshal.
"We have over 100 volunteers along the course of this event.
"They are all giving their free time and are brilliant.
"It could not happen without other people helping."
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