KELTY once again played host to the Scottish Coal Carrying Championships at the weekend as crowds lined the streets to watch the event.

On Saturday, Wallace Nelson proudly won the men’s race in 4:56 and Caroline Lech the ladies in 5:02.

Rebecca Prowse from Broxburn, West Lothian, won the girl’s race and Cohan Hunter from Kelty the boy’s.

Commencing in 1995, the annual event was created by Michael Boyle and is one of only two Coal Races in the world. His aim was to create an enduring link between the modern-day village and its rich coal mining heritage.

Lack of sponsorship between 2016 and 2019 and the impact of Covid-19 in 2020 forced its cancellation. This year, however, saw the full restoration of the event.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown together with directors of National Pride UK, the event’s sponsor, presented prizes to the winning participants.

The men’s race requires participants to carry a 50-kilo bag of coal and the ladies’ race requires a 25-kilo bag of coal to be carried over 1000 metres through the village. Children carry a 15-kilo bag of coal.

Michael Boyle, founder and race organiser, said: “A big congratulations to not just the winners, who certainly hit a rich seam of form on the day, but to all those who took part in making this such a marvellous event.

“As one of only two Coal Races in the world none of this could have taken place without the generous sponsorship of National Pride UK, National Lottery Awards for All Scotland, Fife Council and the Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund, as well as other sponsors.”

Irene Bisset, Chair of National Pride UK, said: “It was remarkable to see all those taking part in what has been an incredible test of strength and endurance. We were truly privileged to have had the opportunity to sponsor such a marvellous event, investing back into the local community.”