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Olympic champion dons Trump costume for straw race

Dave Edwards & Victoria Scheer
BBC News, Yorkshire
BBC/Dave Edwards Two men dressed in blue suits and red ties sport blond wigs and red caps emblazoned with the phrase "Make America Sprint Again" in white lettering. The man on the left has his hand wrapped around a bale of hay which sits on the floor.BBC/Dave Edwards
Alistair Brownlee (left) and his partner for the race, Nathan Edmondson

Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee took part in his first Oxenhope Straw Race, dressed as US President Donald Trump.

The former triathlete, from Dewsbury, was among 600 participants in fancy dress who raced each other between six pubs whilst carrying a bale of straw on Sunday.

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the event, which dates back to the 1970s when a friendly wager between two farmers over who could haul a bale of straw between pubs the fastest sparked what would become the 2.5-mile (4km) race.

Organiser Robin Wright said: "The origins of this extraordinary race are just as captivating as the event itself."

BBC/Dave Edwards Two people dressed in a costume giving the appearance of a Lederhose and Dirndl - traditional clothing often worn in German-speaking countries.BBC/Dave Edwards
Participants carry a bale of hay which can weigh up to 20kg
BBC/Dave Edwards Four participants in wigs push two shopping carts loaded with various items uphill. On the right, two wear blue jumpers, while those on the left sport yellow. In the background, two other runners—dressed in sunglasses, white shirts, black ties, and shorts—can be seen carrying a bale of straw between them as they tackle the hill.BBC/Dave Edwards
Prizes can be won for best fancy dress
BBC/Dave Edwards Two women dressed as nuns with crosses hanging around their necks carry a bale of hay between them as they run along a road.BBC/Dave Edwards
The race finished at The Dog and Gun

According to the rules, participants must stop at five pubs along the route - The Waggon and Horses, The Bay Horse, the former "Idiot Hut" social club, The Lamb, and the former Shoulder of Mutton - downing a pint at each before making the final uphill push to the finish at the Dog and Gun.

Competitors vie for more than just quick times, with prizes handed out for both the fastest teams and the most creative costumes.

BBC/Dave Edwards A man runs with a bale of hay over his shoulder. He wears a black swimming cap and goggles. Two women, with their backs turned, watch from behind a wooden gate.BBC/Dave Edwards
The event has raised thousands for charity over the years
BBC/Dave Edwards Two people in red full-body jumpsuits, black face masks and black belts are carrying a bale of hay between them.BBC/Dave Edwards
The race dates back to the 1970s

Brownlee, who donned a Donald Trump costume, told the BBC: "I've had a long career in professional sport but also been brought up in this area doing fell races.

"This has always been something that I've seen and never been able to do and now I've got the opportunity to do it, so it's great to be here at the very famous Oxenhope Straw Race."

According to organisers, the event has raised more than £500,000 for charity to date.

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