The Great Knaresborough Bed Race to return tomorrow
20,000 to 30,000 people expected to attend first Bed Race after pandemic
Last updated 10th Jun 2022
The annual Knaresborough Bed Race will be back tomorrow (11th June). The race had been cancelled for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event will kickoff with a parade of beds, racers, marching bands and dance groups. Racers will compete by running with decorated beds through the racetrack.
The race is organised by The Knaresborough Lions Club, volunteers who raise funds for charities and local causes through community-based events.
Knaresborough Lions say: “This year’s race will have 85 teams compete on the 2.4 mile course, taking them through parkland and the Nidd Gorge, up steep climbs and breath-taking descents, culminating in a 40-yard swim through the ever-icy waters of the River Nidd.”
The theme of this year’s Great Knaresborough Bed Race is ‘The Environment: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’.
Many congregate to watch the race the whole way round with a particular hot spot being the Market Square.
Jonathan Turpin, who will be competing in the race, says: "The Market Square is quite good, we always enjoy that because that’s where it’s quite tight and there’s sometimes a few crashes every year which is quite entertaining."
"There’s a river crossing at the end which is horrible to take part in but quite fun to watch because you can see the beds sinking and people are all over the place. I’d say the river crossing at the end is the place to be.”
Jonathan has watched the race for many years but this year will be his first time running. He says he’s excited to be on the other side.
Jonathan adds: “we’ve seen the madness, but we’ve never been part of it before. From our team, we’re running for Oxfam, we’re getting decorations and banners from the local Oxfam book shop and then we’re giving away some free books to kids, maybe getting some donations in return.”
The event will take place this Saturday morning. The Parade is at 1pm and the race itself starts at 3pm as a series of time trials, with the teams setting off at 10-second intervals.
The fastest teams complete the course in around 13 minutes, the slowest in about twice that time.
20,000 to 30,000 people are expected to attend the event. Additionally, children under 16 will have the opportunity to visit attractions in Conyngham Hall Field for free.