Well, that was a blast!
Thousands of people packed into York for the second ever Autohorn Micklegate Run Soapbox Challenge on Monday (August 28) – and had a rip-roaring time.
It was bigger and even more bonkers than last year. Dozens of karts, decorated in all kinds of daft get-up, hurtled down the Micklegate cobbles in pursuit of glory.
And raising huge sums for charity in the process.
Boyzone star
Among the racers was Shane Lynch of Boyzone. As well as being a musician – and star of the York Barbican panto this year – Shane is a motor racing nut.
But today he swapped engine power for push-propulsion as he raced his kart to raise funds for SNAPPY.
The inaugural race last year drew 16,000 visitors who brought in £600,000 to the city, with more than £50,000 raised for charity.
Organisers believe this year the numbers will be even higher.
As well as the soapbox race itself there was a funfair on the bridge, music, food and drink.
This year’s fastest soapbox racers were the Digital Image team, in 29.99 seconds, followed by Wagu Wizard (32.23 seconds), and The Thirlby Job (32.47 seconds).
Congratulations to all!
‘York’s very own Wacky Races’
CommScope Star Noddy Micklegate Soapbox @MicklegateRun @minsterfm @yorkpress @theyorkmix #Yorksoapbox #York #Noddy pic.twitter.com/I9yjS5TnMb
— Lewis Outing (@LewisOuting) August 28, 2017
Hallow Scream Micklegate Soapbox @MicklegateRun @minsterfm @yorkpress @theyorkmix @YMHallowscream #Yorksoapbox #york pic.twitter.com/ECBi8Q8D3I
— Lewis Outing (@LewisOuting) August 28, 2017
Micklegate Run Soap box challenge. All day fun had by all. pic.twitter.com/oD924pbcXX
— Antony Townley (@Techno_tt) August 28, 2017
We are proud sponsors of the 2017 Micklegate Run Soapbox Race! ? Well done to all competitors! pic.twitter.com/oezoyl4sWg
— YCT (@YorkCTrust) August 28, 2017
What a day for the Micklegate Soapbox Challenge ??? @bec_horner pic.twitter.com/o6zFJMCgg5
— York Views (@york_views) August 28, 2017
Great day in York watching the Micklegate soapbox challenge pic.twitter.com/x2PIAjoDpF
— graeme fletcher (@Gfletch_) August 28, 2017
When we left, this team was winning the #Micklegate soapbox run – only team under 30 seconds at 3.30pm pic.twitter.com/Ss0ll0RUH7
— diane nutt (@dixxyD) August 28, 2017
@minsterfm fun at the #micklegate #SOAPBOX pic.twitter.com/d5o6gZxFFl
— Tim Spakouskas (@YHBbrewer) August 28, 2017
We need a @TheBHF #Soapbox @ the #Micklegate racing next year – @JaneMHeart @NorthEastDan pic.twitter.com/gAzbMY4DmU
— Helen (@HelenWHeart) August 28, 2017
The team from @yorkrescueboat heading down @MicklegateRun pic.twitter.com/1SPJCYSWxF
— Jonny Crawshaw (@JonnyPolitics) August 28, 2017
Down @ Micklegate soapbox racing in #York crowded but a fun free day out – love #Toystory pic.twitter.com/RAslBQbXG1
— Helen (@Helzbelz1982) August 28, 2017
A lovely morning spent watching the annual Micklegate Soapbox race #York #Soapbox pic.twitter.com/bN6z0jmYNg
— Steve Gilbert (@Fell_Finder) August 28, 2017
The @YorkshireWagyu Wizards are back! Today we take on Micklegate with @minsterfm ?@merlin_trading pic.twitter.com/Rbttsgh9T9
— Jonny Milner (@jonnymilner1) August 28, 2017
Crazy MF'S doing the Micklegate Soap Box challenge. Not all are successful!! pic.twitter.com/eebYWek21O
— Mick O'Donnell (@mihrod1) August 28, 2017
Just got a bit of a showering at the Micklegate Soapbox Run! @minsterfm pic.twitter.com/fqlT4BI3iQ
— Caterina Soave (@caterinasoave) August 28, 2017
@shanelynchlife @theREALboyzone Shane driving in Micklegate Soapbox challenge pic.twitter.com/79DJr5mAKl
— Gibbs (@Cdg2206Carl) August 28, 2017
An amazing crowd out in #Micklegaterun today, watching the Soap Box Challenge. Well done to all the organisers #York pic.twitter.com/QGf4em50iN
— Rachael Maskell MP (@RachaelMaskell) August 28, 2017
Great atmosphere @MicklegateRun run today. Here come the cool zappers! @cityzapbus pic.twitter.com/Eh9rhY6YVP
— sam wiggle design (@samwiggledesign) August 28, 2017
Did someone say Soapbox? #soapbox #micklegaterun @MicklegateRun pic.twitter.com/N0QYiQ6vYu
— ParagonCreative (@ParagonCreative) August 28, 2017
Got recycling? Who ya gonna call? @StNicksFields Wastebusters soap box cart of course! @MicklegateRun pic.twitter.com/MVk1WAbGUp
— Izzy Bartley (@FireflyHeritage) August 28, 2017
Well over 10,000 people enjoying the thrills and spills of today's @MicklegateRun – York's very own Wacky Races.#Micklegaterun pic.twitter.com/44EwQoYN1T
— David K Smith (@professor_dave) August 28, 2017