RUNNING OF THE BEDS

Saturday, April 6th   •   11 AM – 2 PM   •   First Baptist Church of Grandview

REGISTER YOUR TEAM
Download Bed Race Rules

YOUR TEAM

  • Team registration is free but each team must raise $500 or more for Flourish through donations and sponsorships. There will be an award to the team that raises the most funds!
  • Each team must provide 5 team members the day of the event, one runner for each corner of the bed and one person that must sit or lay on the bed throughout the race.
  • Runners must be at least 14 years of age (with a parent’s signed waiver for all minors). Kids are welcome to attend the event and participate in the bike/scooter/stroller/skate race immediately following the bed race
  • Each team may enlist additional team members who can serve as alternates and fundraise
  • Download the Bed Race Rules for a full list of requirements

RACE RULES

  • Four runners, one at each corner of the bed, must push the bed and remain in contact with the bed throughout the entire race. The rider must remain on the bed at all times.
  • Beds must be raced foot-first. (The foot of the bed facing forward.) Runners must be push, not pull, the racing bed, and riders must be oriented feet-first on the bed.
  • The bed and all team members must be present for Bed Inspection at 11 AM and the Parade of Beds at 11:15 AM
  • All members of the team must cross the finish line to qualify
  • Race will be conducted on a 250-foot course through double-elimination heats between two teams
  • All racers must wear helmets during the race
  • Download the Bed Race Rules for a full list of requirements

AWARDS

Six Awards will be presented at the end of the race for First Place, Second Place, Top Fundraiser, Most Creative Bed, Most Environmentally Friendly Bed, and the Kids’ Award

First Place

Second Place

Top Fundraiser

Most Creative Bed

Most Sustainable Bed

Kids’ Award

GET INSPIRED

*Please note the Flourish bed race rules require beds and riders to be oriented feet-first for safety. The Flourish race will include double-elimination heats between two teams on a 300-foot course

How To Build A Bed

Teams are responsible for creating and transporting their racing bed. This is an opportunity to get creative! Themes and accompanying costumes are encouraged. Below are three methods to build your bed.

Method 1

(Beginner)

  1. Find or purchase a bed frame with built-in wheels (like this one)
  2. Replace any gliders with additional caster wheels for beds
  3. Add a twin-size mattress (donation afterwards optional) and pushbar
  4. Decorate! Be creative with your team name and theme. Costumes are encouraged.

Method 2

(Intermediate)

  1. Add wheels to wooden bed frame. Add a support system and caster wheels to an existing frame *** Warning: Do not install caster wheels vertically directly into wooden bed legs. Screws installed along the grain will cause legs to split and break under the pressure of the race. There must be a cross-grain piece of wood between the caster wheel and the bed leg.
  2. Add a twin size mattress (donation afterwards optional) and a pushbar
  3. Decorate! Be creative with your team name and theme. Costumes are encouraged.

Resources

Method 3

(Advanced)

SUPPLIES

7 2×4’s

1 sheet plywood

2 ½”  wood screws

1 5/8″ wood screws

4 casters or similar wheels

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut plywood 6’ x 3’ section. Be sure to save extra for head and foot boards.

2. Cut 2 – 2×4’s into 6’ sections for the platform frame. (Be sure to keep remaining 2’ to brace back post to side)

3. Create back posts (2) by cutting 2 – 2×4’s into 4’ sections

4. Create front posts (2) by cutting 2 – 4’ sections from step 2 in half (2’) Use the remaining 2 – 4’ pieces for bracing the front and back of platform fame (~3’). Use the remaining 1’ pieces as added blocking for front/back posts to attach the caster wheels

5. Drill together two 4’ sections to make the back posts

6. Drill together two 2’ sections to make the front posts

7. Cut out corners of plywood (6’x3’) to allow for brace and fit the posts (roughly 5” x 3.5”)

8. Create platform base by drilling 2 – 6’ sections and 2 – 3’ sections together in a rectangle and attach to the plywood base with 1 5/8” screws.

9. Fit front and back posts through the windows in the plywood base.

10. Cross-brace the front and back posts between posts and drill together with 2 1/2” screws 

11.Add a brace from the back post to the side on both sides of the bed frame.

12. Add extra plywood pieces as the head and foot boards.

13.Add extra 2×4 blocks to bottom of posts to allow base on which to add casters.

14. Add mattress and decorate. Be creative with your team name and theme! Costumes are encouraged.

Resources

Questions about bed building?

 Reach out to Elinore Noyes to schedule a consultation with a Flourish engineer at elinore@flourishfurniturebank.org or 816-946-8605.