READ ALL ABOUT IT!
The Oxenhope Charity Straw Race takes place every summer in the Pennine village of Oxenhope, near Keighley. It is always on the first Sunday in July.
As with any good story it all began over a pint one evening back in the mid 1970’s. Two local farmers made a bet about racing between pubs having a pint at each. As the night continued the bet grew, now they would also be carrying a bale of straw between the pubs!
To date this event has raised over £450,000 with funds donated to Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Haworth Riding for the Disabled and other local worthy causes.
Teams of two (or larger combined teams) are timed running the race in fancy dress, carrying a bale of straw (15-20 kgs), visiting six pubs drinking a pint at each (except the last one). The route is approximately 2.5 miles, starting at the Waggon and Horses, with stops at The Bay Horse, the former “Idiot Hut” social club, onto The Lamb, then the former Shoulder of Mutton with an uphill push to the finish at the Dog and Gun. Prizes are awarded for fastest times and best fancy dress.
It is great day out with a real carnival atmosphere for the local community. Whether you are taking part in the race or spectating, it is an event not to be missed!
Straw Race Just Giving Page
After many months of back and forth setting up our official charity status, we are pleased to announce we also now have a Just Giving page and can receive your generous donations all year round and not just during the weekend of the race.
Having a Just Giving account also means we can receive donations from people outside of Oxenhope and even the UK, meaning all those lovely people who have wanted to help over the years, but don’t live near Oxenhope now have an option to donate.
You can visit our Just Giving page here or donate directly by clicking the button below.
Straw Race 2025 Confirmed for Sunday 6th July
We are delighted to confirm that the 2025 Oxenhope Straw Race will be held on Sunday 6th July 2024.
To sign up for the event, please go to our event page on SI Entries to fill in all your team’s details and pay the entry fee.
Entry options will be: Full bale and full pint (per team) or half bale and half pint (per team). Teams in any configuration can enter either category.
We also have a Facebook Page , Instagram Page and Twitter account. Please follow us for regular updates as we move towards The Big Day and for future events.
We’re really looking forward to seeing you there!
Early bird entry for the first 50 teams will be is £25 per person.
Entry for 50-250 teams will be £30 per person.
Entry for 250-300 teams will be £35 per person.
Entries close Wednesday 2nd July 2025. Registration is 5th July 2025 at the Bay Horse.
ENTRY AND SPONSORSHIP DETAILS
A SELECTION OF LOCAL SUPPORTED CHARITIES
Manorlands
Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice supports people through the most difficult time of their lives. Its doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.
Haworth Riding for the Disabled
Haworth RDA is a non-profit making charity established in 2001 with one rider, one pony and three volunteers. In the last twelve years it has grown significantly and now caters for over 160 + riders, has 10 specially trained horses and over 46 volunteers.
Bradford Disability Sport & Leisure
Bradford Disability Sport & Leisure is an organisation that provides disabled people through the Bradford area with sporting opportunities of both a recreational and competitive nature.
