The FIRST EVER Canalathon in the Brecon Beacons has been an absolutely massive success following the inaugural event last Sunday!
The introduction of a Canalathon at the Brecon Beacons saw more than a thousand people turn up at the Canal basin to see the teams crossing the finish line on Sunday the 14th of September.
The Canalathon attracted 204 competitors with 51 teams of four canoeing, cycling and running their way from Pontymoile to the finish line outside Theatr Brycheiniog in the Canal basin.
The day wasn’t over when teams crossed the line; there was a party at the basin! Several live bands played all day while onlookers gather to greet and cheer for all of the very happy, very sweaty participants as they made it to the finish line.
Mayor of Brecon, MP Roger Williams, Neil Sandford and Chairman of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Councillor Geraint Hopkins bestowed medals on the proud members of the finishing teams.
When asked what he thought of the event and it’s future Councillor Hopkins said; “The inaugural event was a massive success. As soon as they got their breath back lots of the competitors were asking whether there would be another event next year – I really hope this will be the start of a fabulous yearly event for the canal.”
The Canalathon was organised by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, The Canal and Rivers Trust and Adventa. The event was funded by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Rural Alliances project. EU’s Interreg IVB NWE programme and the Welsh Government fund this project.
With the event being a huge success, there is little doubt that it’ll be on again next year! Check out the Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust website for details on this years event and hopefully an announcement for next year!
