Bed Racing is a much-loved annual past time in Knaresborough, combining as it does a gruelling athletic contest with a spectacular fancy dress parade of decorated beds and runners. It has been held annually on the second Saturday in June since 1966, missing two years of the pandemic.

Set in the scenic and hilly terrain of Knaresborough, the Bed Race is held over a 2.4 mile course, through leafy parkland, up and down vertiginous climbs and decent, through the Nidd Gorge, across cobbled streets and culminating in a swim through the ever icy waters of the River Nidd. 90 teams of six runners and a passenger (preferably light, young and of resilient spirit) participate; hundreds more participate in the Parade and tens of thousands come to watch - all organised by volunteers to raise money for local good causes. What's not to like!

Join the town as it celebrates this annual event with a day of festivities. Knaresborough loves a party and welcomes visitors from across the country and increasing the world for this fabulous and slightly eccentric event.

The serious event beneath the fancy dress

But don't be fooled into thinking it's all fun and games - far from it.  Amongst the competitors the race is taken incredibly seriously, in the weeks leading up to the Bed Race groups of people can be seen in the early morning or late evening doggedly training with their bed, practising hills, cobbles, the start and keeping their passenger on broad through the obstacles (failure to retain your passenger leads to disqualification, and often hurt feelings).

But they only get one attempt at the route itself and when the whistle blows things get serious in a hurry!