Oxenhope Charity Straw Race 2025

28th July 2025

On Sunday, 6th July 2025, the Wave team completed the Oxenhope annual Charity Straw Race. And yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

278 teams lined up for the charity fundraiser, which this year celebrated its 50th anniversary. The race sees two-strong teams tackle a 2.5-mile route through Oxenhope, carrying a 20kg bale of straw.

Stopping off at a pub or six. Mandatory pint at each one of course.

Competitors, often in the most ridiculous fancy dress you can imagine, ran a two-mile course carrying a bale of straw.

WAVE entered with two teams; Monty Python and the Holy Bale 1 & 2.

Sam Cameron and Jack Brockbank(Team 1) Alan Saban and Caitlin Earle (Team 2).

Both teams created ingenious straw bale holders…. well what else would you expect from engineers, and their outfits, down to the coconut shells for authenticity. If you’ve ever seen the film, you’ll know where they came in

Great fun, had by all, despite the rain with both teams finishing in 84th and 98th positions.

Local charities supported by the event were; Manorlands Sue Ryder Hospice– palliative, neurological and bereavement support. Haworth RDA – Riding for the disabled, Keighley Parkinson’s Support Centre, Oakworth Youth Project, Oxenhope Warm Space, The Good Shepherd Centre and Worth Valley Food Bank,

Well done guys and fantastic outfits. Didn’t think you could top the penguin outfits from 2024, but by Jove you certainly did.