Saddles, Straw Bales, and Serious Stamina: beForm Nutrition Founder Takes on the Oxenhope Straw Race

At beForm Nutrition, we know that fitness isn't always about track splits, PRs, and intense gym sessions.

And this isn't Ben's first unusual endurance challenge. From trail marathons to a full-distance triathlon, Ben's endurance challenges have continually put his approach to nutrition and training to the test.

Sometimes, true endurance is about community spirit, carrying heavy loads up steep hills, and doing it all while wearing a ridiculous costume.

On Sunday, 5th July 2026, our very own founder, Ben Bunting, laced up his running shoes to tackle what is undeniably a massive highlight of the running calendar: the legendary Oxenhope Straw Race.

On the day, staying hydrated was part of the challenge, with Ben turning to beHydrate to support his hydration strategy.

The Ultimate Test of Grit and Giggles

For the uninitiated, the Oxenhope Straw Race is a phenomenal local tradition that combines fell running, pub crawling, and heavy lifting. Teams are tasked with carrying a bale of straw from start to finish, navigating a challenging course through Yorkshire terrain while stopping at various local pubs along the route. It requires stamina, strength, and a great sense of humour.

"It’s events like the Oxenhope Straw Race that remind us why we love staying fit. It’s about having the functional fitness to get out there, tackle a bizarre challenge, and have an absolute blast doing it with your mates."

For more on Ben's experience tackling demanding Yorkshire terrain, see our founder's Yorkshire Dales challenge.

The beForm "Cavalry"

This year, Ben didn't face the Yorkshire hills alone. He teamed up with a stellar squad of three great friends: Matt, Joe, and Phil.

When it came to race day attire, the team truly embraced the spirit of the event. Amidst a sea of incredible, highly creative competitor costumes, Ben and his team stood out by transforming themselves into a posse of cowboys riding inflatable horses.

Navigating a gruelling course while carrying a scratchy straw bale is hard enough; doing it while wrangling a bouncy, air-filled equine around your waist takes the challenge to a whole new level!

Key highlights from the squad's performance:

• Impeccable Teamwork: Coordinating the hand-offs of the straw bale without popping their trusty steeds.

• Costume Commitment: Holding their own against a fiercely competitive and hilarious field of local runners.

• Unmatched Energy: Keeping the pace up and the laughs loud from the starting gun to the finish line.

Perfect Conditions and an Electric Atmosphere

You can never fully predict the British summer, but luck was on the cowboys' side. The weather stayed perfectly dry, providing ideal conditions for both the runners and the massive crowds that lined the streets to cheer them on.

The atmosphere throughout the village was simply amazing. Spectators turned out in droves, offering cheers, laughter, and much-needed encouragement as the teams battled the inclines. It is the overwhelming support of the community that transforms this physically demanding race into such a joyous celebration.

Fueling for the Fun

While the Oxenhope Straw Race is heavily focused on charity and community fun, make no mistake, it is a serious physical exertion. Running over two miles with a heavy, awkward load requires a solid baseline of fitness and the right nutritional support.

With running, heavy lifting and warm-weather activity all increasing the demands placed on the body, hydration and electrolyte management can be important considerations for endurance athletes.

The same principles apply whether you're tackling a local challenge or preparing for a marathon, from hydration and carbohydrates to planning your fuelling strategy.

Whether you're preparing for a marathon or something completely unconventional like the Straw Race, understanding pre-run nutrition can help you approach demanding sessions with a more considered fuelling strategy.

We are incredibly proud of Ben, Matt, Joe, and Phil for representing the beForm ethos: train hard, fuel properly, and never take yourself too seriously.

Here is to the incredible organisers, the fantastic competitors, and a truly unforgettable day in Oxenhope. We are already looking forward to seeing what costumes hit the starting line next year!