A DAY AT THE RACES

Phoenixville Bed Races return for second year

PHOENIXVILLE >> Saturday was a great morning to stay in bed.

Just ask the participants of the Second Annual Phoenixville Bed Races.

The event is aimed at raising funds and awareness for three area nonprofits that provide shelter for the homeless.

Teams of five consisting of four pushers and one rider built themed beds and wore costumes to match their theme. The teams then raced against each other in one-on-one heats as spectators cheered them on. The teams raised money by acquiring sponsorships and donations.

“The Bed Races benefit a number of organizations in Phoenixville that help with housing insecurity. We have Good Samaritan Shelter, Ann’s Heart Code Blue Shelter and Phoenixville Women’s Outreach called The House,” explained Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler, who had the honor of waving the starting flags. “It’s absolutely incredible to see the Phoenixville Community come out. We have such a caring and compassionate community where we want to ensure that everyone has a place not only to be celebrated and loved but a place to feel safe.”

And the community and participants had a blast while they made a difference.

Team names and themes showcased participants creativity with themes like “The Roaring Twenty-Somethings,” “MASH,” and PACS’ “Raised Bed Garden.” Accompanying costumes were equally as creative including a team dressed as chefs, a team dressed entirely in Eagles attire and another donning puppy hats.

“It’s only the second year but I see more beds and I also see a broader range of participants. So we’re seeing some participants from the high school, a lot of the different organizations or clubs whether they’re social organizations or fitness clubs, and then just groups that are coming out to have fun. It’s nice to see it’s really diversifying and growing,” said Urscheler.

Awards were given for best theme and costumes, most funds raised and, of course, fastest bed. Money raised from the event was divided among Good Samaritan Shelter, Ann’s Heart Code Blue Shelter and Phoenixville Women’s Outreach called The House to assist them with providing services to individuals with housing insecurity.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Donning chef hats and mustaches,, a team races against their competitor to make it to the finish line first during Phoenixville’s Second Annual Bed Races to support local organizations.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP The Roaring Twenty Somethings don purple wigs and make a run for it Saturday as they compete in the Phoenixville Bed Races. It was all for a good cause, helping raise money for local nonprofits.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP A team races for the finish line Saturday during the Second Annual Phoenixville Bed Races.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP Teams showed off their creativity and athleticism Saturday as they races past Reeves Park in Phoenixville during the Second Annual Bed Races.

Right: Racers brought their most creative ideas to life in the form of racing beds Saturday for the Second Annual Phoenixville Bed Races.

MARIAN DENNIS — MEDIANEWS GROUP A rider on a MASH themed bed cheers as she races past bystanders Saturday during the Second Annual Phoenixville Bed Races.

Upper Left: Teams at times were neck and neck in the stiff competition to win the annual Phoenixville Bed Races.

MARIAN DENNIS PHOTOS— MEDIANEWS GROUP Left: Teams gave it their all Saturday as they raced their beds and helped raise money for area groups that assist individuals with housing insecurity.