The annual event in Gawthorpe, Wakefield, attracts attention from across the globe, and sees those taking part having to lug huge sacks of the black stuff along a gruelling course.
The race starts at the Royal Oak pub with the finish line around 1km away at the village maypole.
Sadly, a man had to be rushed to hospital by ambulance after collapsing on the morning of the races. There has been no update on his condition at this time.
However, the races continued with the children’s fun run, three women’s races and three men’s races.
The Easter event began life in 1963 following a disagreement in a pub about who could run a race while carrying bags of coal on their shoulders.
Thus, the event was born and now attracts competitors from across the globe.
7. 63rd World Coal Carrying Championship
Competitors in the women's veterans' race make a dash for it. | Guzelian
8. Competitors in the women’s veterans’ race at the World Coal Carrying championships, which is held every Easter Monday at Gawthorpe, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Started in 1963 following a pub dare, participants race over 1,012 meters (approx. 1.1 km) carrying 50kg (men) or 20kg (women) of coal from the Royal Oak pub to Gawthorpe’s Maypole Green. Picture taken on Monday 6 April 2026.
Tough going in the women's race. | Guzelian
11. 63rd World Coal Carrying Championship
Competitors taking part in one of the men's races | Gerard Binks
12. World Coal Carrying Championships 2026
Joel Hicks, who took part in every single race, raising money for Always With a Smile charity. | Gerard Binks