March 1, 2017. Louisville, KY. The Derby Festival is looking for teams to participate in this year’s Thorntons Great Bed Races – one of the most unique racing events on the Festival’s schedule. This year’s event is scheduled for Monday, May 1, at Broadbent Arena. Dozens of teams participate in the event each year and race their decorated beds on wheels around the figure-eight course. Team registration is now open online at KDF.org.
Thorntons returns as title sponsor of the Great Bed Races for the third year in a row, joined by new Contributing Sponsors Safelite AutoGlass and Ashley Furniture Homestore.
Bed Race teams consist of five people, with one member required to stay in the bed at all times. All participants must also be 18 years of age or older. The entry fee for one team is $130. The Festival even provides instructions on how to build a bed on wheels on their website.
The theme of this year’s event is “Louisville on the Move,” and to match the theme, inspiring the city to get active and healthy, competitors are encouraged to decorate their beds and wear costumes. The races feature two 600-feet divisions – the Fun Division and the Champions Division.
Teams compete for prizes for fastest times and most outrageous costumes and decorations. Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the three fastest times, as well as awards for the “Cone Eater,” “Best Decorated Bed,” and “Most Entertaining.” Winners will also be invited to appear in the Pegasus Parade on Thursday, May 4.
Contributing sponsors are: Ashley Furniture Homestore and Safelite AutoGlass, with Media Sponsor 107.7 The Eagle. Broadcast special on WAVE 3 TV.
