Montgomery Canal Marathon Triathlon
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Montgomery Canal Triathlon
The Montgomery Canal Triathlon is an annual cross-border endurance event organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and supported by the Canal & River Trust. The route starts in Newtown in Wales and finishes near Oswestry in Shropshire. Entrants may complete the full route or one or two sections. All entrants who complete a section receive a commemorative medallion made from local slate.
The recent format is approximately 27 to 28 miles in total, split into three main sections:
- 12 miles cycling from Newtown to Whitehouse near Belan
- 5 miles by canoe through Welshpool Town lock to Pool Quay
- About 10 miles walking to the finish at Crickheath
The cycling section includes road crossings at three blockages on the A483 and two at minor roads where bridges were demolished after the canal’s 1944 abandonment. The canoe section passes through Welshpool Town lock and Pool Quay lock. The walking section includes further road crossings, and the towpath crosses the Wales/England border at Llanymynech Bridge.
The finish is near Crickheath Bridge and basin, opened as the limit of navigation in 2023 after restoration. Volunteers are reinstating the channel between Crickheath Bridge and the recently rebuilt Schoolhouse Bridge, opened in 2024.
Parking arrangements include a pay and display carpark next to the start in Newtown and free parking at the Pool Quay transition area. Free transport from the finish back to the start is available via the transition areas, but entrants must transport their own bikes and canoes after the event. A limited number of craft and kit are available for hire from a local supplier. The 2026 event is planned for 12th September but is subject to organisational confirmation. Bookings are planned through an online entry system and electronic timing may be used. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
