Hundreds line the streets of Ely for 2017 Potato Race

Running through the streets carrying a bag of potatoes on your shoulders may seem strange to many – but in Ely it happens every October.

And this year’s instalment of the city’s famous Potato Race was a hit once again, with hundreds lining the city streets to witness teams take on its half-a-mile course laden with a 20kg bag of spuds.

Potato fans young and old took part in this year’s challenge, with St John’s Community Primary School edging rivals St Mary’s and the Lantern School to take the Corkers Crisps Classic Stakes trophy in the opening race.

Nicola Horn and Barbara Fraser of Elyte Fitness, running on behalf of J. Gilber & Sons, claimed the ladies prize, while James Henry and Pavel Kolasa of the Atrium Fitness Club scooped the men’s prize with an impressive race.

Event organiser Austen Dack said: “Ely Potato Race wouldn’t be possible without the support of Isle of Ely Produce, NFU Mutual, Caithness Potatoes, Towngate Fisheries, Pretoria Energy, Agrimech, Corkers Crisps, Ely Rotary, Chippy Chat and Love Coast Hoppers.”

He also thanked the runners, farmers, Mayor Richard Hobbs, Lucy Frazer MP “and the amazing crowd- we raised over £3,000 for local charities.”