Newtown residents and visitors looking forward to the weekly parkrun will have to wait another week, as the popular event takes a break to make way for the much-anticipated Montgomery Canal Triathlon coming up this Saturday.

Organisers took to social media to announce the cancellation of parkrun for this week, citing safety concerns with the alternative route due to long grass and the Canal Triathlon taking place on the usual route. They expressed regret for the cancellation but assured participants that parkrun will be back in action next week.

The 2024 Montgomery Canal Triathlon, scheduled for May 18th, will mark its 12th edition, promising to be one of the largest events along or near the canal.

Organised by the Friends of the Montgomery Canal and supported by the Canal & River Trust, the triathlon aims to raise funds for the restoration of the Montgomery Canal.

The triathlon route starts at Hafan yr Afon with a 12 ½ mile cycling section to Whitehouse near Belan. Participants will then navigate a 5-mile canoe leg to Pool Quay, followed by a 9 ½ mile run to the finish line at Crickheath.