Barrow soapbox derby: Record number of racers gearing up

BBC News

11 hours ago

A record number of racers are gearing up for a town's annual soapbox derby.Businesses in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria, will battle it out on the town centre track later, using only their strength and gravity to get to the finish line in the quickest time.Twenty teams are taking part, four more than last year, as part of a weekend of community events organised by Barrow BID.Andrea Williams, from Cando FM, will be one of the presenters commentating on the race and said as Barrow was an engineering town it was a "serious competition", adding: "They're so creative and they keep those innovations top secret until it's revealed on the day what the amendments are to the carts."
Thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which saw an estimated footfall of 29,700 last year.The 340m (1,115ft) course runs from the top end of Dalton Road and finishes near the Townhouse, with competitors navigating obstacles like chicanes, water tunnels and foam along the way.
Ms Williams said the town got "really busy"."It's full of excitement and, most of all, the overriding emotion is just sheer fun," she said."It's also a showcase for the innovative and creative nature of Barrovian people."Racing for the fifth annual derby is due to start at 10:00 BST.Here is a preview of some of the competitor's carts.
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