The first ever Canalathon has been dubbed a huge success with more than 1,000 people turning up throughout the day to see their teams crossing the finishing line on Sunday (14th September).
The event attracted 51 teams, who canoed, cycled and ran their way from Pontmoile to the finish line outside Theatr Brycheiniog in the Canal basin. There was a party atmosphere at the finish with live bands playing all day and onlookers who gathered to greet the happy, sweaty participants with cheers as they crossed the line. Finishing teams received their medals from local guest celebrities throughout the day including MP Roger Williams, the Mayor of Brecon, Neil Sandford and Councillor Geraint Hopkins the Chairman of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority.
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 Canalthon was been funded by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority’s Rural Alliances project, which is funded by the EU’s Interreg IVB NWE programme and Welsh Government. The Canalathon is being organised by Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, The Canal Trust, The Canal and Rivers Trust and Adventa.
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