The route has been revealed for the 2026 Knaresborough Tractor Run ahead of its return this weekend.
The annual event, organised by the Knaresborough Tractor Run committee, is back this Sunday (8th March) with hundreds of vehicles expected to take part in support of charity.
It will once again raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance as a procession of vintage, classic and modern tractors travels through communities across the Harrogate district and Nidderdale.
The run begins at 9am from the Brown Gate entrance at the Great Yorkshire Showground before heading through Knaresborough town centre from around 9:30am.
The convoy will then pass through Staveley (10am), Burton Leonard (10:15am), Bishop Monkton (10:30am), Markington (10:45am), Sawley (11am) and Grantley (11:15am).
Tractors are expected to arrive in Pateley Bridge from midday for a lunch stop at the Nidderdale Showground, where they will remain until around 1:45pm.
During the break there will be refreshments, family activities and pedal tractors for children, and—subject to operational availability—a helicopter from Yorkshire Air Ambulance is expected to land at around 1pm.
After leaving Pateley Bridge, the run will continue through Padside at around 2pm, Tang at 2:45pm, Hampsthwaite at 3pm and Birstwith at 3:30pm before reaching Ripley roundabout at approximately 3:45pm.
The route will avoid travelling through Ripley itself before finishing at York Place car park in Knaresborough between 4pm and 4:15pm.
What is the Knaresborough Tractor Run?
Organisers say the event has grown significantly since it began in 2012, when a small group from Knaresborough Young Farmers set out on a casual tractor drive while raising money for the air ambulance.
In 2017, the group tragically lost one of its members, Mike Spink, who died in an incident while in New Zealand. Following his death, the tractor run was expanded in his memory.
The organising team has since formed a Community Interest Company and the event has raised nearly £170,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance across eight runs. Last year’s event raised £31,690 alone and organisers hope the total raised will pass £200,000 after this year’s run.
The tractor run has also grown to become the largest of its kind in the UK, with 423 tractors taking part in 2025.
How does it raise money for charity?
Drivers taking part pay an entry fee of £20, with passengers costing £10.
Registration opens at 7am on Sunday, although drivers can also sign up in advance.
Organisers stress the event is purely a charity fundraiser and encourage people to support the cause when they see the tractors travelling through the area.
While the route has been designed to avoid main roads where possible, motorists are advised to expect some disruption, particularly between Knaresborough and Staveley along Boroughbridge Road between 9:30am and 10:30am.
Three tractors will also receive awards during the Pateley Bridge stop, including best modern tractor, best classic tractor and best vintage tractor, chosen by invited judges including farming influencers and local farming figures.
A limited number of pink bobble hats will also be available to buy at the start and potentially at Pateley Bridge, with proceeds contributing to the fundraising total.
You can donate to the cause here and follow the run on Sunday via Your Harrogate on-air and on our socials too.
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