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
13. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
Multiple race winner Tony Nicholson from Penrith. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
14. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
World's Strongest Man Jamie Reeve with multiple women's race winners Janine and Belinda Burns. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
15. World Coal Carrying Championships
The start of the mens race in April 1996. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
16. World Coal Carrying Championships
The ladies and mens winners in April 1996. Pictured are Pauline Oldfield from Bradford and Mick Scott from Ossett. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
17. World Coal Carrying Championships
George Crossland, 79, who was the oldest competitors in the race in April 1996. | James Hardisty Photo: James Hardisty
18. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
David Jones winner of the World Coal Carrying Championship, is pictured with his sister Julie Knight, the winner of the women's championship in March 1997. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme