Longnor Races

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Longnor is an isolated yet characterful hamlet hidden away in the depths of the High Peak. The origins of its annual race are vague at best, apparently at one time (no one seems to know quite when) a group of farmers met to race their mounts around the village and place wagers on the outcome. From there the tradition of holding a race on the first Thursday after the first Sunday in September grew (and once again no one seems to why that day especially).

In truth, the event is really an excuse for the hard working farming community to cut lose after the tough graft of bringing the crops in and the races still retain a unique character. When I asked why the event was always held on a Thursday given its broad appeal the reply was simple yet revealing: “to keep it local.”