Straw race attracts 250 teams (From Keighley News)

Straw race attracts 250 teams

11:04am Thursday 9th July 2009

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Oxenhope Straw Race attracted one of its highest entries for years.

A whopping 250 teams took part in Sunday’s event, the best turn-out for a decade.

Piers Hill, for the organisers, said: “We had to cap numbers this year — there were more people wanting to take part than we could accommodate.”

Each two-strong team had to carry a bale of straw around several pubs in the village and down a drink at the hostelries.

Many people don fancy dress for the sponsored event, which covers a route of about two-and-a-half miles.

Over the years the race has raised several hundred thousand pounds for charity.

Organisers are hopeful that last year’s total of about £7,000 will be beaten this time.

Mr Hill said: “It was a fantastic day and although we won’t know until all the sponsorship money has been collected what has been made for charities, with the high number of competitors we hope it will be a good amount.

“The weather on Sunday was great and we got crowds of people turn out to watch.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part or supported the event in any way.”

His thanks were echoed by secretary Jane Barrett who paid tribute to local pubs, McDowells Transport and Hodgson’s Coaches for their backing.

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