On 27th August 2005, I attended the twenty-eight anniversary of Beca's Race. The race is a 5 mile fell race on Preseli Mountains at Cresswell, near Fishguard, Crymych.

It is held to celebrate the Rebecca Riots which took place in this area between 1839 and 1842. These riots were a protest against the high tolls introduced on the turnpike roads. Many people disagreed with the high tolls and took the law into their own hands destroying the gates.

These gangs became known as the Rebecca gangs. They took their name form a piece in the Bible, Genesis 24:60 "And they blessed Rebekah and said unto her, Let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them".

Many of the men dressed up as women as a disguise as rioting was a hanging offence at that time. Some versions of this story say that these clothes were borrowed from a woman called Rebecca - hence the name Rebecca Riots.

To win the race, the leader must dress in women's clothes and break down a gate with an axe at the finishing post.

I have to admit that it was the most enjoyable day out in Wales.