Wrekin barrel race returns

Roll out the barrel – for a Shropshire challenge that involves carrying beer up The Wrekin in honour of a two-century old tradition where ale barrels would have been hauled up the county landmark to oil the rowdy Wakes celebrations at the top.

The ninth annual Wrekin Barrel Race is on Sunday, June 14.

It's a challenge that will certainly show who can hold their beer, because teams and individuals are are invited to have a go at carrying a full nine-gallon firkin of ale weighing 50kg to the top of the hill.

And the first to the summit will be crowned winners.

A popular category is the team event where four people carry the barrel together, although they will have to get a move on if they are to beat the Wrekin Barrel Race record which stands at 21 minutes and 40 seconds and is proudly held by the Cock Hotel Hobson's Harriers.

And for those who fancy going it alone there is the ominously titled lunatic challenge, for a single person to do the same and carry a barrel up The Wrekin.

The record for this challenge is 38 minutes and 24 seconds and is held by Gareth Evans from The Rock in Telford.

There is also a ladies challenge where a team of four females are invited to carry an empty barrel to the top of the hill and have a pop at shaving some time off the current record for the category which stands at just over 18 minutes.

And finally there is the so-called fun challenge where any mix of sexes take part for fun with an empty barrel and wearing fancy dress – for which a prize will be awarded to the best costume.

The event starts at 11am from the old rifle range. The finish line is at Heaven's Gate. Entry fees are £20 for each team or individual if they are doing the lunatic challenge.

There will be a £100 prize for fastest team of four people and teams are asked to raise sponsorship with all monies raised being donated to Hope House Children's Hospice.

Tony Nicholls, one of the organisers of the event, said people came from far and wide to take part.

"We have a registered entry from Leicestershire, showing this event really puts the Wrekin on the map," he said.

Trophy presentations will take place at the Cock Hotel in Wellington at 2pm on the day of the race.

For more information or to register for the event contact Tony Nicholls on 07828 472459 or find out more by logging on to www.wellingtonunderthewrekin