30
May
Mayor David Skaith to run in Great Knaresborough Bed Race
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The mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, is to run in the Great Knaresborough Bed Race, it has been announced.
Mr Skaith will be a part of the first York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority team ever to race in the event, which will be held on Saturday, June 13. The other members of the team have not yet been named.
This year’s bed race will mark the 60th anniversary of the first one in 1966, and the theme for the best dressed bed competition is the Swinging Sixties.
Mr Skaith told the Stray Ferret:
Our high streets are where our communities come together and not many towns do it quite like Knaresborough.
With Knaresborough bed race celebrating 60 years, it feels like a special moment to be able to put our own combined authority team out for the first time.
We haven’t taken part in the race before and we know it will be tough, but I’m competitive so we’ll be aiming to be the fastest new team.
We’re also going to be fundraising as much as possible for Chain Lane Community Hub. The people at Chain Lane are doing amazing work and I was in awe at their commitment when I visited them last year. They’re doing everything they can to support people who need it in Knaresborough, so I’m delighted to be able to back them.
Last year's Bed Race
The team, which does not have a specific fundraising target, has been maintaining a good level of fitness and members have been able to get out with another team for a guided practice.
Mr Skaith added:
Knaresborough Bed Race is a fantastic example of how community spirit can bring people together while supporting local charities and businesses.
That’s why I’m also delighted to be able to sponsor Knaresborough bed race this year, helping to keep this special event running for another 60 years to come.
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race event will start at 9am, when all 90 teams will gather with their beds at Knaresborough Castle, where the judging of the best-dressed beds will take place.
At noon, the roads around town will be closed and all the attractions – stalls, bars and amusements – will be opened at Conyngham Hall.
The beds will parade through town from 1pm, and the race itself will start at 3pm.
Last year, Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon ran in the race, but his team was unsuccessful in this year's ballot for places.
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