More than 90 children from 13 schools across the district took part in the first-ever Rhubarb Run on Wednesday.

The 1.6-mile race was one of a number of activities leading up to this year's Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb, which starts in the Cathedral Precinct today.

Lisa Dodd, Wakefield Council's service director for sport and culture, who came up with the idea, said: "We wanted to do something wacky and different that really got the kids involved and this seemed perfect.
"It went really well and, as well as helping children to keep fit, it also proved to be an educational experience because it got them talking about rhubarb and Wakefield's history."

Ms Dodd said she was keen to build on the success of this year's event, adding: "Next year we want to turn it into a mass participation event and get parents involved."

Teams of six pupils had to leg it around the course with sticks of the bright pink vegetable.

Prizes were awarded to the first three teams to have four runners cross the finish line with their rhubarb, which were Oyster Park Junior School in Castleford, Ackworth Howard J&I School and St Peter's Junior School in Horbury.

Hannah Field, 10, of St Peter's is not a big fan of rhubarb but loved the race all the same.

She said: "It was really good fun and we really enjoyed training as a team at school too. I can't wait to do it again next year."
There were also prizes for the first boy and girl to cross the finish line, which were Jessica Beachill and Jed Wilkinson, both from Ackworth Howard.

The Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb attracted more than 138,000 visitors last year.