Barrel challenge in Wrekin race
Dozens of athletes put their strength and endurance to the test when they took part in one of Shropshire's most unusual sporting events. Dozens of athletes put their strength and endurance to the test when they took part in one of Shropshire's most unusual sporting events. Twenty teams battled it out yesterday to carry a nine-gallon barrel to the summit of Shropshire's landmark hill, The Wrekin, in this year's Wrekin Barrel Race. Te event attracted competitors from as far away as Lincolnshire. Categories included the classic, with a team of four men and a full barrel, the ladies' and the "lunatic" class. Check out our photo gallery below and read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Dozens of athletes put their strength and endurance to the test when they took part in one of Shropshire's most unusual sporting events.
Twenty teams battled it out yesterday to carry a nine-gallon barrel to the summit of Shropshire's landmark hill, The Wrekin, in this year's Wrekin Barrel Race.
Check out our photo gallery below
The event recalls the Wrekin Wakes, when barrels of beer were dragged to the top of the Wrekin for an annual feast.
Organised by a small group of volunteers, the event attracted competitors from as far away as Lincolnshire.
Categories included the classic, with a team of four men and a full barrel, the ladies' and the "lunatic" class.
The Cock Hotel Hobsons Harriers took the classic challenge title, racing to Heaven's Gate in a new course record of 21minutes, 20 seconds.
The "lunatic" class, for one individual with a full barrel, received eight entrants who carried a full barrel the length of the course, with Gareth Evans, from Telford Wines, taking the title.
Co-organiser Anthony Nicholls, part of the winning team, said: "It was a fantastic day.
"Twenty teams took part and with a record number of competitors for the lunatic challenge, the race is going from strength to strength."
Only two teams entered the ladies' event, carrying an empty barrel along the course, starting from the rifle range at the base of the local landmark.
The Flying Falcons, from Telford, took the title with a new record of 18 minutes 24 seconds.
The outgoing Mayor of Telford & Wrekin, Councillor Miles Hosken, presented the prizes at the Cock Hotel in Wellington. The money raised, which is still being counted, will be given to his chosen charity, the Community Foundation for Shropshire and Telford.
The full results from this year's event can be found online at www.wellingtonunderthewrekin.co.uk
By Lizzie Yates
Gareth Evans from Telford Wines on Stafford Park.
The Hobsons Harriers, left to right Ray Parkes, Paul Ward, Tony Nicholls, organiser and Wayne Dashper of the Cock Hotel in Wellington.
In fancy dress were Telford Harriers, from left, Alison Larwood,
Louise, Steel, Sue Williams and Steve Watkins.
The Flying Falcons, from left, Sadie David, Wendy Searle,
Kim Bennett and Juliet Hoad.
Only 1,335 ft to go! A competitor starts the singles Wrekin barrel race.
The Newport and District runners, from left, Kevin Postins,
Gary Postins, Robin Guy and Bernie Holbrook.
Gareth Evans takes a break after winning the 'Lunatic Class'.