The noble history of wheelbarrow racing in Ponteland can, according to legend, be traced back to the 14th Century. The tradition lives on; racing in the 21st Century is organised by Ponteland 41 Club, with the support of Ponteland Rugby Club. Now an annual event held on New Year’s Day, this tournament of fun starts and ends at The Blackbird pub in the village.
Why wheelbarrow racing?
Legend has it that one 14th Century Winter in Ponteland, residents suffered harsh cold temperatures which left them short of food and fuel. Local leader, St. John de Hornby, gathered the villagers and took them hunting with wheelbarrows to bring supplies back home.
Start and finish at The Blackbird
The Blackbird pub team, now hosts and supporters of the race, are heirs to an auspicious history. The famous peace Treaty of Newcastle between Henry III of England and Alexander II of Scotland was signed on a rise in the marshes, where the Blackbird stands today. The pub itself was first built as a castle in the 14th Century then later destroyed in a raid by the Earl of Douglas in 1388.
The modern-day circular course of the race starts and finishes at The Blackbird, whose award-winning present-day owner and race supporter, Stuart Young said:
‘The wheelbarrow race is always a fantastic start to the New Year and this will be true once again as we enjoy the first day of 2025.
‘The Blackbird is at the heart of the community of Ponteland and this event is something all the team at the pub also look forward to.
‘It always has a great turn-out and we love being able to welcome everyone into the pub both before and after the event.’
Organisers and supporters and good causes
Ponteland 41 Club, Ponteland Rugby Club, and volunteers and sponsors are all known as ‘Ponteland Wheelers’ and are the stalwart supporters of New Year’s Day wheelbarrow racing in the village. The race uses sponsorship and entry fees to support good causes. In 2025 all the money raised will be shared between two charities: St Oswald’s Hospice, and Tynedale Hospice at home.
The New Year’s Day 2025 race will start with the Noon Parade, followed by the Junior Race at 12.10pm, Ladies Race at 12.20pm and the Open Race at 12.40pm. Presentations to the winners follow at 13.15pm.
Steve Roberts, Ponteland 41 member and one of the organisers is hoping for another successful year. He said:
‘We know so many people look forward to this event every year and it will be a fantastic way to get 2025 underway.
‘And we are so grateful to The Blackbird for their continued support at what is one of our most looked-forward to events.’
More information
For further information about the race please contact Steve Roberts at: sjroberts69@gmail.com or on 07785 242157.
