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
19. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
The first ever children's race was held as part of the World Coal Carrying Championships in March 1997. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme
20. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
Seven-year-old Jay Pitts from Ossett was the winner of the first ever children's race in March 1997. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme
21. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
Chris Mackie, winner in 2005. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
22. Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships
Reggie Segewick, one of original Beehive three, with men's winner Matthew Wainwright, women's winner Catherine Foenton and veteran's winner John Hunter at the 50th race in 2013. | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee
23. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your memories of the Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships down the years with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN | other Photo: Gawthorpe Maypole Committee