Fife

33 great pictures as crowds enjoy Scottish Coal Carrying Championship in Kelty

This year's event included a wife-carrying race for the first time.

The Scottish Coal Carrying Championship in Kelty proved as gruelling as ever on Saturday. Image: David Wardle.

By Claire Warrender

August 27 2023, 9:36am

August 27 2023, 9:36am

Thousands of people lined Kelty Main Street on Saturday as competitors took on the Scottish Coal Carrying Championship.

This year’s event included a bizarre wife-carrying race for the first time.

And volunteers lined up for what could become an annual spectacle.

It was followed by coal races, which see men carry a 50kg bag of coal over a one-kilometre uphill course.

It includes a section known as hell hill.

And the women attempt the same course with a 25kg bag, while there is also a shorter children’s race.

The Scottish Coal Carrying Championship is one of only two coal races in the world and is the only one in Scotland.

It starts with a parade involving many local groups, led by a pipe band.

And a street fair, funfair and live music add to the entertainment into the evening.

Photographer David Wardle was there to capture some of the action.

Wife carrying at the Scottish Coal carrying championships 2023 — Wife-carrying got the Scottish Coal Carrying Championship under way for 2023. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championships 2023 — The men’s race gets under way. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023. — A competitor grits his teeth as he makes his way to the finish. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — The race is a test of endurance. Image: David Wardle.

Scottsh Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Families lined the street to watch the Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — People of all ages were there. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023. — Relief at the finish line. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Friends supporting each other in the women’s race. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — It’s a difficult event. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Nearly there! Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — A bumble bee mascot buzzing round the crowd as excitement grows. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — A pipe band provided entertainment. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Encouraging words for this competitor. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — He wants that one! Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — That bag weighs 50kg. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Enjoying a well-earned drink of water. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — The race is gruelling in the heat. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023. — The juniors race into action. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship — Young spectators enjoying the sunshine.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Brass band music added to the spectacle. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Making it look easy! Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Elation at the end of the Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023. — There was plenty of support for the runners. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Community groups joined a parade. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — And dancers strutted their stuff. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Having a well-deserved sit down. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Storming towards the finish. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Nearly there! Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — You can do it! Image: David Wardle,

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Thousands turned out to line the street. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Enjoying the sunshine. Image: David Wardle.

Scottish Coal Carrying Championship 2023 — Coal carrying in Kelty is all over for another year. Image: David Wardle.

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