Theme for 2008 is
TRANSPORT THROUGH THE AGES
Race Entries are now closed due to excess
demand
The Lions Club of Knaresborough is pleased to confirm that Saturday
June 14th will see the running of the 43rd Great Knaresborough
Bed Race. Early in the morning of 14th June the event starts with
teams assembling their beds into Parade Order on King James’ school
field, where commencing at 11:30, they are also judged on their
artistic merit for the ‘Best Dressed Bed’ prize. This
year, the winning bed will lead the parade!
From 12:45 the parade forms up with bands, historic vehicles
and other attractions joining in the fun. At 1:00 the parade makes
its way down Knaresborough High Street to the delight of the waiting
crowds. Further judging takes place on the performances that the
teams give as they process to the race area at Conyngham Hall field.
There is then just sufficient time to undo all their hard work
to get their chariots into ‘race trim’ for the 3:00
start. The race is a time-trial over the 3km course, with the long
steep climb up Castle Ings road proving a struggle for many teams,
as is the dramatic and often hilarious swim across the river Nidd
to the finish line.
This Community Fun and Charity fund-raising event gets bigger
and better each year, with 60 teams taking part in this year’s
event. It is estimated that the teams raise a sum of over £40,000
for various charities per annum.
There has been much coverage in the press, including announcements
that this year’s event had been cancelled, which is clearly
not the case. We are very fortunate that Gillette Fusion have put together
a support package, working with long term sponsors Piccadilly Motors,
to ensure the future of The Great Knarebsorough Bed Race for at
least the next 3 years. We will have Bradford Bulls Super League
and Great Britain star Sam Burgess with us to help start the race
alongside prize winners for the Bed Race Theme and Programme Cover
competitions. There will be a prize draw for tickets to Super League
games at Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos as well as the usual fun
and festivities.
So make your way to the picturesque North Yorkshire market town
of Knaresborough on Saturday 14th June for a Grand Day Out!
Footnote for editors:
More information can be found on www.knaresborough.co.uk/bedrace
Or phone Lion Kevin Lloyd on 07711745985
Over recent years the Great Knaresborough Bed Race has featured
on Blue Peter (twice), Transworld Sport, CNN and was filmed
by a Korean TV team making a documentary on crazy events throughout
the world. The event is organised by the Lions Club of Knaresborough
and for the next 3 years is supported by Gillette Fusion.
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