Hundreds turned out in Oxenhope to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Straw Race — an event that has grown from a light-hearted farmer’s wager in the 1970s into one of Yorkshire’s best-loved charity fundraisers.
This year’s event saw Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee take part for the first time — donning a full Donald Trump costume for the 2.5-mile course between village pubs.
The Straw Race has raised more than £500,000 over its lifetime for local causes, including Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice.
Robbie Moore MP said:
“Oxenhope Straw Race is one of the most iconic events in our local calendar and this year’s 50th anniversary didn't disapppoint. It was fantastic to see so many people out braving the rain, including Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee in quite possibly the most unexpected costume of the day! A huge thank you to Robin Wright, the Straw Race Committee, and all the volunteers, pubs, musicians and residents who help make this event such a huge success year after year. The Straw Race really has grown into a brilliant community fundraiser, raising over half a million pounds for local charities like our fantastic Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. It was brilliant - and the rain certainly didn’t dampen spirits.”
