ENTRIES are open for the greatest penny farthing race in the world.

The Great Race is held in Knutsford every 10 years, and is a unique event where penny farthing riders combine speed, endurance and courage to cover the greatest distance in three hours.

The event is a great day out, with live music and family fun, and funds raised support local charities including The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

The Great Race is returning on September 13, 2020, and the course will be a flat, 1.5-km circuit on roads around the Heath and near the town centre.

Mike Peacock, one of the race organisers, said: “The race is a test of speed and endurance over three hours for solo riders and teams.

“The winner of each category will be awarded a trophy, and everyone taking part will receive a medal.

“This is real racing – fast, furious, exciting and most of all fun, whether you are riding or spectating.

“It’s a fabulous spectacle that attracts large crowds. In addition to the racing there’s so much more for the whole family to enjoy.

“We welcome anyone who wants to dress up in period costume on the day, and we’ll be awarding prizes for the best.

“There’s lots going on all day, with rider registration and warm-up from noon. The Great Race will take place at 1pm, followed by prize-giving and awards.

Knutsford Guardian:

Matt Freeman rides through town at the Royal May Day

“Throughout the day, there’ll be lots of things to see and do with live ‘period’ music, great food and beverages and a market on the Heath, where you can browse and buy at the stalls.”

Mike owns four penny farthings, and will be taking part in the race, which has already attracted more than 30 riders, including people from the USA, the Czech Republic and Belgium.

The first Great Race took place around the Heath in 1980 and was organised by Glynn Stockdale. It was so much fun Glynn and his friends decided to repeat the event every 10 years.

Glynn has been collecting penny-farthings since 1978, and if you’d like to see his collection visit the Courtyard Café (thecourtyardknutsford.co.uk) in the centre of Knutsford.

Applications to ride can be made by searching for The Knutsford Great Race on September 13, 2020 in the events list at sientries.co.uk/

If you would like to sponsor the event, learn more or get involved email enquiries@knutsfordgreatrace.com

The event is made possible by volunteers, and while there is no cost to come along and enjoy the day there are costs to host the event. The organisers thanked Tatton Group for use of the Heath.