Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge (Photo: Minster FM)
When: 27th August 2018, from 10am
Where: Micklegate, York
£: Free to watch
What is it?
Wheels secured and brakes checked… participants in York’s most unusual road race are undertaking final preparations on their person-powered vehicles, ready for the third annual Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge which will take place on Monday 27th August.
The family friendly event will see 40 groups, companies and organisations putting their vehicles through their paces on timed runs down York’s Micklegate, just inside the city walls. Competitors will face straights, curves and even cobbles before reaching the finish line at the bottom of the hill. The soapboxes will start from a specially constructed 5m ramp near Micklegate Bar, giving participants the best possible flying start.
This year’s event will be opened by ‘Fast Donnie’ Schoettler, the 60-year-old world record holder at gravity racing. Last year, Fast Donnie managed to reach speeds of 99.41mph in his gravity-powered car.
‘Toy Story’ at Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge (Photo: Minster FM)
Last year’s challenge attracted around 20,000 spectators to the event and this year is expected to be just as popular (so turn up early to get a good spot). The event will be raising money for charity through team sponsorship.
The Micklegate run is organised by Micklegate Business Initiative and sponsored by The York BID. Indeed, a team from York BID’s Street Rangers will be participating in the race in a specially built soapbox, raising money for York Rescue Boat.
The event will open at 10am on Bank Holiday Monday and will be hosted by Minster FM. In addition to the racing, there will be a fun fair on Ouse Bridge, live music, stalls (including ones selling cow bells and rattles to help cheer on the teams), and plenty of food and drink. The last race will take place at 5pm, so why not make a day of it?
More info: www.micklegaterun.co.uk and www.facebook.com/MicklegateRunSoapboxChallenge
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