Hundreds take part in Easter coal-carrying race

Hundreds Take Part in Easter Coal-Carrying Race

Every Easter Monday in the village of Gawthorpe, West Yorkshire, a unique tradition brings locals and visitors together. The World Coal Carrying Championships, which began as a casual conversation in a local pub, has evolved into a bustling annual event. This year, 240 participants competed by dragging sacks of coal across a 3,320ft (around 1,000m) course, with men carrying 7st 12lb (50kg) loads and women handling 3st 2lb (20kg) bags from the Royal Oak pub to Maypole Green.

The race, now a celebrated community fixture, has grown significantly since its 1963 inception. What started as a lighthearted bet among friends has attracted international competitors and large crowds eager to witness the uphill challenge. Craig Heppenstall, a repeat participant, secured his over-40s world champion title once again. He described the physical toll, noting,

“It feels like it gets heavier each year. When you put it on you’re like, ‘Why am I doing this?’ And then you can really feel it on your legs.”

Organizer Duncan Smith praised the event’s success, especially after three years of rainy conditions. “It’s been a brilliant day with fantastic weather, after three years when it’s absolutely bucketed down with rain,” he remarked. This year’s slots filled rapidly, with 165 children also joining in for fun runs. Spectator Yazmin Azad highlighted the tradition’s role in uniting the community.

“It’s amazing. It’s a tradition that’s dated back so many years, and it just gets bigger and better every single year,” she said. “Everyone gets together, everyone’s racing. It’s an adrenaline rush and everyone loves it.”

Heppenstall nearly matched the world record for his category, finishing just one second short of four minutes and 57 seconds. He credited the spectators’ support as vital to crossing the finish line.

“It just keeps you propelling. They shout ‘Come on, keep that momentum. You’re nearly there’, and it makes you want to see that finish line… The crowds cheer and shout your name, it’s fantastic.”

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