10 of the world’s wackiest races

Fancy a workout somewhere exotic — or cheering others on? Nick Trend looks at some of the globe’s maddest dashes

1 GOING, GOING GONDOLA

The Regata Storica, first recorded in the 13th century, is the highlight of the Venetian rowing calendar, taking place on the first Sunday in September. As well as colourful parades, there are four boat races, of which the most exciting is the “Campioni su Gondolini”.

This hard-fought gondola race along the Grand Canal, finishes at an elaborately decorated floating stage in front of the

Ca’ Foscari palace.

2 CROSS CONTINENTS

In ancient times, the narrow passage between the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara was known as the Hellespont. Today, it’s called the Dardanelles but the Hellespont Swim Race survives, a 4.8km slog from Europe to Asia. It is included in Greek mythology, but was first “officially” swum by poet Lord Byron in 1810. “The world’s oldest swim“is no joke. Wetsuits disqualify one for medals, and the strong currents mean only the best swimmers even consider it.

3 RED HOSE DAY

Believed to be the oldest running race in Britain, the Red Hose race has its origins in 1508 when James IV of Scotland granted lands around Carnwath in Lanarkshire to John Lord Somerville. The king’s conditions included holding an annual race of 4.8km on Midsummer’s Day (June 22) with a prize of a pair of red hose (now knitted red socks) for the winner. Once identified, the fastest runner, wearing his red hose, was charged with bringing news of any approaching invasion from the south to Edinburgh.

4 HORSING AROUND

Siena, Italy’s, scallop-shaped Piazza del Campo hosted the first Palio race in 1633. Ridden bareback by jockeys representing city wards (contrade), 10 horses gallop around the square, watched by packed crowds of excited spectators. The event takes place on July 2 and August 16 each year.

5 THAI HURRY

Dating from the Ayutthaya period (around 600 years ago), long-boat racing in narrow, paddle-powered vessels was seen as a way to strengthen the morale of young men who were likely to face war. Races are arranged throughout the country during the Thai Buddhist Lent period, but the Phichit Festival on the Nan River in north Thailand in early September is one of the largest and most colourful. Around 40 boats compete, and there are cultural shows and musical events alongside the races.

6 THE ICE IS RIGHT

Around 193km long, the Elfstedentocht is a longdistance skating race passing the 11 cities of Friesland in Holland and can only be held when the ice on the frozen canals, rivers and lakes is at least 15cm deep. The last event was held in January 1997; however, if the Beast from the East returns this winter, the race may be on. The competition dates back to 1760 but became an organised race in 1909. It starts in Leeuwarden and competitors must collect a stamp in each city, completing the course before midnight.

7 DESCENT INTO THE INFERNO

First held in 1928, the International Inferno Race is the oldest and longest amateur ski competition in the world. The Swiss resort of Mürren hosts the next race on Jan 25 2020 on a 14.9km course. The record descent was set at just over 13 minutes in 2013 — in comparison with the winning time of one hour and 12 minutes for the first one.

8 FLOUR POWER

Every year on Shrove

Tuesday, the “housewives and young ladies“(over 18) of Olney, England, take part in the eponymous pancake race. Said to have originated in 1445 when a local woman dashed to church still clutching her breakfast frying pan, the race lapsed during World War 2 and was revived in 1948 by the local vicar. Though it’s become quite a crowd puller in recent years, it remains open only to women who have lived in Olney for at least three months.

9 HURRYING HUMPS

The 14-day Pushkar Camel Fair takes place annually in the desert town of Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Around 150 years ago, it began as a marketplace for local livestock traders — who would dress up the camels in colourful decorations to make them more attractive to buyers. In the years since, it has morphed into a tourist magnet teeming with camel-centred festivities, including a beauty pageant, parades and, of course, races.

10 ENTER THE DRAGONS

Although Hong Kong has only been hosting its Dragon Boat Festival since 1976, the race itself is said to have originated on the Yangtze River in southern China more than 2,000 years ago. Taking place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (next year, June 25), teams race in boats, measuring about 10m in length and carved with dragon heads and tails, to the sound of beating drums and roaring crowds.