The Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships sees runners carry coal sacks along a 1.1km through the village near Wakefield. The race is held each Easter Monday and has attracted competitors from around the world. Male runners carry coal sacks weighing 50k. Female runners' sacks weigh 20k. Organisers have cancelled the 2020 event in line with social distancing measures to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic following consultation with West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council. It is the first time the annual race has been scrapped since it began in 1964. We hope these photos, published courtesy of the Gawthorpe Maypole Committee, will spark happy memories for event supporters. READ MORE: Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships cancelled for the first time in its 57-year history due to Coronavirus
7. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
Gordon Fomont, the race winner in 1966. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
8. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
John Hunter, who has been taking part in the race for 30 years. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
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Memories of long term racer John Hunter during the early years. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
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Roy Bostock, race winner in 1965. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
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Susan Hall, winning the Women's Race in 1973. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
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The Beehive Inn where the idea for a coal race was first conceived. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee