30,000 people flock to Knaresborough event which is one of Britain's greatest and craziest days

Trains were still pulling in with spectators from Harrogate, York and Leeds even as the great charity race was scheduled to start on a breezy, cloudy Saturday afternoon.

Knaresborough Striders Men were crowned this year's winners at the end of the gruelling 2.4-mile, hilly and cobbled-stoned, course and a swim across the River Nidd, with an impressive time of 12 minutes 33 seconds.

Runners-up out of a field of 90 teams were last year’s champions Gh Brooks Mens (12:34).

Third was a team from popular Knaresborough pub, The Half Moon (14:12)

Before setting off from the grassy banks through Conyngham parkland, the teams showed off their fancy dressed beds in a parade through the town, inspired by this year’s "Swinging Sixties” theme to celebrate the anniversary.

The winning bed was number 44, The Rocket Men, who were selected by a voting panel and led the beds in the town’s parade from 1pm.

Friends from Knaresborough's twin town of Bebra in Germany were among those who took part in the 60th anniversary race, one of the UK’s most eccentric but popular community events.

With estimates of the crowd at 30,000 approximately, it was another success for the volunteer organisers of Knaresborough Lions who put together this massive logistical exercise each year.

Martin Brock, Knaresborough Lion secretary, said: "The event brings the crowds out, the sun's come out, there'll be about 30,000 people dotted around, it really doubles the size of the town," he said.

"Everyone really has bought into it.

"I like to say things are normal for Knaresborough that might not be normal elsewhere."

The fun event was conceived in 1966 as a charity fundraiser by the Knaresborough Round Table and was launched by TV stars Harry Corbett and Sooty and Sweep.

Each year, thousands of pounds are raised through entry fees, sponsorship and sales of the programme; money which goes back into the organisation of the next Knaresborough Bed Race, with the excess donated to worthy causes.

More information at: https://www.bedrace.co.uk/results/2026