Village revives pub-to-pub barrow race

Villagers are keeping a quirky tradition alive by reviving a wheelbarrow race.

The Belton Barrow Race began in 1950, but has not been staged in the North Lincolnshire village since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Organisers said the first race was the result of a bet at a pub when one local told his friends: "I can beat you running in a wheelbarrow with someone in it and stopping at every pub for a pint."

The three-mile (5km) race will begin at the Crown Inn on Sunday at 13:00 BST and still includes pit stops for refreshments.

Organiser Anthony Temperton said there would be five races during the day.

"The tradition of the barrow race was that you went between the five pubs at the time," he explained. "At each pub you had to have half a pint of liquid.

"Beer, lemonade or water – it was the runner's choice."

Over the years, the number of pubs in the village has dwindled to two.

However, a local brewery is providing a pop-up pit stop and there will be another at the village pavilion.

"So, we are back to four locations where the runners are obliged to dismount and have half a pint of liquid and then get on their way again," Temperton added.

The fastest runners are expected to complete the main race in under 30 minutes.

Temperton said it was important for the village to try to keep the tradition alive and maintain community spirit.

"The fact there are local people and local businesses working together to bring it back is a great thing for the community.

"We are oversubscribed, so we might end up having to do a secondary race," he added.

Any profits from the event will go to Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare in North Lincolnshire.

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