Key facts
- The first Camel Race was run in 1970 in the dry Todd River Bed as a bet between two mates, Noel Fullerton and Keith Mooney-Smith.
- The 2013 event will be held on 13 July.
Full story
A larrakin sense of humour and a heightened sense of fun are the key ingredients at the annual Camel Cup in Alice Springs.
Unlike conventional race meets – ordered, prestigious and with big prize money – the Camel Cup is an unpredictable combination of stubborn camels, fearless riders and excitable spectators. No two camel races are the same, since camels are predisposed to spitting, biting, going backwards and doing things at their own pace.
The Camel Cup first came about in 1970 after a bet between two locals. A camel race was run in the dry bed of the Todd River, and proved such a hilarious spectator event that it became part of the annual calendar.
Now The Camel Cup comprises a series of races, each with up to 15 camels each, plus other novelty events such as rickshaw races and kids hobby camel races.
The grounds take on a carnival atmosphere with colourful stalls and rides, belly dancers, food and drink stalls, live music and Camel Cup souvenir stalls. Fashions on the Field are distinctly ‘central Australian’.
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