Annual Bed Races

 

Rotary Bed Race Co-Chair Vicki Marking said, "It's hard to believe that we are holding our tenth annual bed race. Many visitors to the Battle of Plattsburgh weekend have told us they enjoy watching the teams race down the street as much as they do the annual parade. We hope everyone stops by and cheers on the teams."  Marking also thanked the Queen, Twin, Team and Pillow level sponsors for this event.  "The Rotary Club of Plattsburgh is very pleased with the support we have received from our sponsors during the past ten years the bed races have occurred in Plattsburgh. Without their support, we would not be able to hold this event. Thanks to everyone involved."

 

Marking said the first 32 teams that register for the competition will vie for a first place prize of $500. “We don’t think we will catch anybody sleeping with this exciting race and the top prize of $500. And, we are also looking for the team with best theme-entered bed, which could net a team the Golden Bed Pan along with $150. It ought to be fun.”

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Teams may consist of up to seven members: four pushers, one passenger and two alternates. The entry fee is $50 per team plus $25 fee if you use a Rotary Bed or a $25 deposit for those teams entering their own beds. (Deposit will be returned after all races are complete and you have removed your bed from premises. The deposit will be forfeited if the team does not remove their bed from the premises upon completion of the races.)

 

The Rotary Club will have six beds available for use by teams that want to compete, but do not have an entry bed. All team members must be at least 18 years old at the time of the race OR 13 years old if they have approval and a signed statement from a parent/guardian. All riders will be required to wear a helmet.

 

Teams will race their beds down to a midway location line approximately 30 yards from the starting line. Once the bed crosses the midway finish line, the team will then return it to the original starting line. The bed crossing the initial starting line will be declared the winner.

 

It seems simple, but it all depends on teams working together,” said Marking. “We’ll see what teams will be able to keep their beds in motion and the rider remains intact.”

 

Marking also said that once the final 16 teams are decided there will be a change to the race.

 

“The final 16 teams will race their beds to the midway location with the passenger wearing a night gown provided by Rotary. At the midway line, the person on the bed wearing the night gown will have to switch positions with another team member who must secure the night gown from the original rider putting it on before the team commences the second half of the race to the final finish line.”
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Entry forms, rules, and the waiver form are available online and must be turned in by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2019. Entry and waiver forms can be mailed to the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, P.O. Box 86, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Forms also may be dropped off at the Rotary office, which is located inside the United Way offices, 45 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh or at Primelink, 99 Kansas Ave., Plattsburgh. Forms may be e-mailed or faxed. The fax number is 518-825-7040. The e-mail address is plattsburgh.rotary@gmail.com. 

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