The Knaresborough bed race is an annual tradition that is held every year since 1966. The first race is believed to have raised between £80,000 and £100,000. Isn’t this amazing? This event has become such a huge part of the community, as lots of people flood Knaresborough just to be able to see the race take place. This ear there was ver 30,000 spectators. This event is run by volunteers from the Knaresborough Lions and always takes place on the second Saturday of June. You may be asking ‘what is all this for?’ Well, the money that is raised from the event goes to local charitable and community needs.
Well, how does the race work?
The teams – there are normally around 90 squads that take part – must decorate a bed and then they must run 2.4 miles. This race takes the teams all around Knaresborough which they have to run. There is even a 30-yard swim through the ever-icy waters. Would you be able to cope with these conditions?
What were the results of the race?
In first place came the G H Brooks Men, this groups time was 12 minutes and 58 seconds. How amazing! This group has been undefeated since 2018. This time allowed them to beat their record which was 12:59.
In second place there was the Knaresborough Striders Men, their time was 13:32. This was only 74 seconds behind 1st place which shows just how close of a race it really was.
And in third place came the Nidd Valley Men’s. This groups time 14:04 yet again another close result to second place.
What other awards were handed out?
Other awards that were handed out include fastest female team which went to the Squashed Hearts. Then the fastest mixed team went to the Parkrunners.
Not all the awards that were given were to do with the race results, some of these awards include the best dressed which went to The Rocket Men, the environmental award went to Saint Micheal’s Hospice and finally the Tom Brock Services Award goes to Memwith Hill.
Why should you get involved?
If you want to get involved in the bed race you don’t have to actually take part in the race itself as there will always need people to donate to the event as well as people to watch the event throughout Knaresborough. One of the main ways to get involved in the event is to create a team to race in it, however you don’t have to be athletic as this is not a serious event but it is actually a fun day that means you are able to come dressed up and decorate a bed for you to use in the event.
Another reason why you should get involved in the event is that it is for an amazing cause. You may be thinking ‘But the bed race is over there is no way I would be able to get involved now’. That is not true, if you go to the Knaresborough bed race website then you are able to still donate to the amazing cause that will help people across Knaresborough.
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