Lincoln’s first-ever soapbox race is nearing, with the homemade creations set to cannon down one of the city’s many hills in September.
Krazy Races have announced that the Lincoln City Foundation will be the headline charity for the race.
The route is the steepest Krazy Races has ever set out. They have previously held events in locations all across England and Wales, such as Stockport, Wolverhampton, Swansea and Lancaster.
Headline charity announced:
Danny Scoffin, event organiser, said: “We’re delighted to have the Lincoln City Foundation as our headline charity. A big part of this year is showcases key shareholders in the areas we go to. The football club is a massive part of Lincoln, so raising vital funds from this event is incredible.”
Krazy Races are aiming to raise £20,000 for charity at the event, with a portion set to be dedicated to the foundation. As the headline charity, teams can opt to fundraise for them, if they do not pick a different charity.
Alex Bavin, Director of Operations at Lincoln City Foundation, said: “We’re delighted and really excited to be part of the first soapbox event in Lincoln. It’s a chance for us to showcase the Lincoln City Foundation by working with the football club and bringing a bit of matchday magic to the event.”
The foundation has worked with people of all ages, from three years old to 103.
“The money raised will support our youth division. We want to engage young children to get them to take part in activities. We want to encourage them to do sport,” she added.
Soapbox creating underway:
Many of the 40 teams have started building their unique soapboxes, after the maximum amount of teams allowed for any one race was reached in just two weeks.
One team, the Bedrock Bunch, is racing in a Flintstone-themed soapbox on the day. Richard Clarke, from Wragby has chosen his charity because it holds a special meaning to him.
He said: “We are raising money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. My father had an accident and they attended the scene. Unfortunately, it was too late, but they got to the scene and gave him the best chance to survive.”
He is part of a family team, made up of him, his wife, two sons and the girlfriend of one of his sons.
“I’ve watched the Red Bull soapbox races and thought it would be great to take part in something similar,” Mr. Clarke added.
Some 20,000 spectators are expected along the route come Sunday, September 15.
Lincoln-based Tick HR Solutions is also participating in the event. They are raising money for Project Compass, which helps homeless people in the city.
The firm’s Managing Director, Mark Adams, said: “It’s something we’ve always been interested in, and it feels right for us. We feel passionate about it because no one should be on the streets.”
Jacqui Adams added: “We want to make a difference locally, as the local charities are often overlooked.”
Their soapbox is going to made out of an 1980’s sit-on lawnmower.
The race is now just less than five months away, with the 40 teams beginning to piece together their homemade soapboxes ahead of the event.
Feature Image Credit: Krazy Races/Karl Brooks Photography