Government ban will not deter World Coal Carrying championships

The unique annual race attracts competitors from across the globe to Gawthorpe, but the latest news inevitably raised questions over the event’s long-term future.

Around 2.5 tonnes of coal is usually loaned for the race, but following the Government’s recent decision, the usual supplier says he will no longer have sufficient stock as demand continues to fall.

Having met this week, the race organisers will now look into buying the coal at a cost of more than £1,000, and potentially store it at the National Coalmining Museum, in Overton, for future races.

Failing that, they may opt for a supply of smokeless fuel, which derives from coal, although it is unknown if it robust enough to keep in storage.

Race spokesman Duncan Smith says the committee is determined to continue the race, which began in 1963.

He said: “It’s come straight out of left field, there’s a lot of organising to do with the event anyway and this is something we could have done without.”

“But we have survived the snow and ice in the past, so there’s no danger it won’t be happening.”

Under new legislation, coal and wet wood is to be phased out with a complete ban by 2023 to improve air quality.

The race sees competitors head along a 1.1km route in Gawthorpe while carrying a sack of coal on their backs.

It began 57 years ago as an argument between two men in a pub over who was the fittest, and the coal carrying challenge was laid down.

It now attracts people from as far as New Zealand.

Since issuing an appeal for money to help pay for the coal, Mr Smith says enough cash has now been pledged through donations from individuals and businesses, to cover the cost of the coal. Meanwhile, others took to social media to suggest the organisers simply fill the coal sacks with alternative materials, which has been dismissed outright.

Mr Smith said: “We’ve had all sorts of suggestions, like painting paving slabs black, or using bricks or peat, then that would make it the World Peat Carrying Championships. It’s the integrity and history behind it, what with it being a mining area and it all starting as a bit of banter in the pub about carrying coal.”