The iconic Pink Ladies’ Tractor Road Run is set to return in style on Sunday 6th July as it continues to raise astonishing amounts for charity.
This year will mark the event’s 21st run and 197 women are gearing up to drive the 20-mile route through south Norfolk and north Suffolk on a convoy of decorated tractors swathed in pink.
To date the popular event has raised an incredible total of £1.22m in aid of Cancer Research UK’s breast cancer appeal.
“We are very proud and honoured to be recognised”
Organiser Annie Chapman who, together with her husband John, recently received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, said: “The Run this year is beyond all expectations! I am still receiving late entries and are now up to 197, 2 of those are passengers and 50 are newbies!
“It’s very humbling to have received the award for an event that should have been a ‘one off’ in 2004. The Run has involved hundreds of ladies over the years and has raised an incredible amount of money for Cancer Research UK for breast cancer research. We are very proud and honoured to be recognised in this way.
“But cancer hasn’t gone away so we must continue to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.”
Each year, thousands of people line the route, cheering on the Pink Ladies in towns, villages, laybys and gardens. Houses and businesses are bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters dress in head-to-toe pink.
Each year about a quarter of the ladies taking part are new to the event with many having never driven a tractor before.
“I am absolutely blown away that I am going to be a pink lady”
This year, Amy Hoddy from Stradbroke will be taking part for the first time. She said: “My husband and son run the Mariners Galley Cafe in Rushall and I have watched the Pink Ladies Tractor Run pass the cafe for the past 2 years and kept saying I would love to take part.
“At Christmas the cafe did a raffle to raise money for the Pink Ladies and we made almost £500. During this time, I expressed my wishes to the organiser, Annie, about taking part. But I don’t own a tractor and have never driven one. Annie found a tractor for me to drive and I am being loaned a 1958 Massey Ferguson 35x.
“I am absolutely blown away that I am going to be a pink lady. Everyone talks about what an incredible event it is and to take part is a real honour. I already have plans to have some driving practice before hand and am already looking for all things pink and glittery for both my tractor and self. Fundraising is already underway with friends and family already sponsoring me.”
The convoy’s route starts at Thorpe Abbotts airfield before heading through Thorpe Abbotts, Brockdish and Upper Weybread, arriving in Harleston at about 12.30pm, before stopping for lunch between 1pm and 3pm at Gawdy Hall Meadow, Redenhall to which everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch.
The route back to Thorpe Abbotts airfield heads through Pulham St. Mary, Rushall, Langmere Green and back to the airfield.
Last year, 191 women took to 178 tractors for the run raising £127,150 towards the ever-expanding grand total.
Annie said: “As with any event of this size it cannot be achieved without the support of many people. I would like to express my thanks to all tractor owners, landowners, the many marshals, collecting ladies and anyone else who helps to make this event happen, it’s a large team effort!”
Donations for this year’s event can be made via https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/pink-ladies-tractor-road-run-2025
For more information about the event please visit www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk
