They say people do things differently in Yorkshire. And that’s certainly true of their sporting contests. This weekend, teams are taking to their beds for a quirky, one-of-a-kind race.
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race takes place on Saturday 10th June in North Yorkshire. It’s part pageant with decorated beds and teams in fancy dress, and part gruelling time-trial through tricky terrain. Each year brings a new theme and this year’s teams are dressing up their beds to the theme of ‘That’s Entertainment’.
A full day of bed race fun
On the morning of the race, head to the grounds of Knaresborough Castle to catch the teams as they gather for the judging of the ‘Best Dressed Team’ accolade. Or catch the lively parade of beds from Castlegate at 1pm. Marching bands, dancers and floats join the celebrations, making it well worth the watch. Over at Conyngham Hall Fields amusements and stalls with food and a bar provide extra entertainment from midday.
The race itself begins at 3pm, after the Mayor of Knaresborough’s welcome ceremony. The teams then set off at intervals over the 2.4m course. The race sees them head off through the Nidd Gorge and along the waterside. Then it’s up the vertiginous Castle Ings to the Castle and Marketplace. After that, teams hurtle down Bond End and cross High Bridge. As if that wasn’t tough enough, they finish with a 20-yard swim across the River Nidd. The swim takes the runners and bed passengers, complete with their bed, through the water. Yep, the bed race is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Where to watch the race action
If you are planning to watch the Great Knaresborough Bed Race, there are several good vantage points. Mackintosh fields are great for catching the teams tackling the infamous river crossing, while Castle Ings is a good spot to cheer on competitors as they make the uphill struggle.
But if you want to see all the action, you could watch it on the big screen at Conyngham Hall Field, where you’re also well-placed for refreshments. Plus, there’s an accessible viewing area in the Market Place. If it’s the parade you want to enjoy, then grab an early spot on the high street.
On the day, there’ll be a free park and ride set up. Alternatively, you can park at King James School for £5, with the profits going to MacMillan.
How the bed race came about
If you’re wondering why The Great Knaresborough Bed Race exists, the original idea was thought up as a way of raising money for charity. And the very first race saw just four intrepid teams take part. It’s now so popular, similar events take place in Germany, the USA and New Zealand.
These days, the bed race attracts around 25,000 spectators and of course it attracts many more teams. Some teams enter the race to be the fastest, some to have the best decorated bed, others to win the most entertaining team award. But this being Yorkshire, all compete fiercely.
The event’s volunteer-run by the Knaresborough Lions Club. Through the organisers, the teams and the involvement of charities and voluntary groups, the event usually raises between £80,000 and £100,000 for good causes.
When: 10th June 2023
Where: Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
£: Free to watch
More info: www.bedrace.co.uk