On 14th June 2008, Knaresborough was mobbed as
people streamed into the town to see the 43rd Great Knaresborough
Bed Race. There was added spice this year as the event was being
filmed by Channel 5 and featured Rory McGrath, who ran as a member
of the Scotton Scorchers Team.
67 teams competed, the Parade was even more spectacular than
ever, the race was ultra-competitive and Harrogate Harriers were
finally beaten by Ripon Runners! The Squashed Hearts retained
their title, although under their new name of HPL Flyers. See results for
more information.
Even the weather was kind (was this thanks
to the BBC for featuring the event in their weather forecasts?),
with only a couple of sharp, swift showers in the morning and
the afternoon. New sponsor Gillette Fusion brough one of their ‘pods’ to
demonstrate their wares and give people a chance to compete against some major
sports stars on a simulator as well as entering two teams in the race.Long-standing
sponors Piccadilly Motors and Speedy Hire also entered teams and finished 5th
and 25th respectively. Our twin town of Bebra, Germany, entered a team who competed
for their town on their first entry in Bed Race – including the lady passenger – their
combined age this year was 436 years!
The new road closure arrangements were well received by spectators,
allowing people to move around the town in greater safety in
the period between the parade and the race, and allowed the course
to clear after the race.
Knaresborough Lions Club thanks everyone who took part, helped
out or attended the event, between us all we will have raised
a fantastic amount of money for numerous charities – well
done!
Planning for 2009 will start in September; the race entry
process will change as a consequence of this year’s excess
demand. All teams that have competed in the last 2 years will
be contacted in the Autimn.
Knaresborough
Lions (part of Lions Clubs International) expect as always
to have a special famous guest (or guests) to help things along
so come back to www.knaresborough.co.uk or
listen out in the Press nearer the time for who it will be!
The Race is a gruelling run and many of the more serious Race
teams will have been in training literally for months. There
may even be teams from Bebra, Knaresborough's twin-town in Germany.
Many teams will be racing just for the fun of it and to raise
money for their nominated charities, but it will still be a tough
race for them! The crowds love it, there'll be a great atmosphere
and considerable noise, cheering and encouragement as the teams
hare around the town. |