The powers that be had warned that the smoke pyrotechnics were too long lasting at four minutes, and would have to be substituted with one and a half minute duration smokes, otherwise the traffic would be in chaos. With only a couple of days to go it would have been impossible to exchange. The problem was solved quite easily - a new label was printed and stuck on. The effect was amazing, smoke drifted in clouds up the High Street and through the Square. Oh, they were right about the traffic!

There are some really amazing shots here. Probably the best way to view them is by following the browse option.

We need your help to identify teams and competitors' names - please contact us quoting the photograph number (and year of the race).

PHOTOS

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Teams gather before the race: photo 20
Lined up at the start: photo 28
They're off: photos 29 34 35 27
The Asps take up positions: photo 33
Smoke rolls up High Street ahead of the first team: photo 47
Teams in a cloud of smoke and 'hail of fire': photos 49 48 50 54 51 52 57 55 56
Turning into Broadway: photo 38
Running the gauntlet in Backhall Street: photos: 99 42 43 44 45 37
Presentation of the cup: photo 59