"SCOTLAND’S Toughest Kilometre" returns to Kelty with participants racing through the village with heavy sacks of coal on their backs.
The uphill challenge is one of the most physically demanding sporting events that you'll find and it's a nod to the area's proud mining history, as well as being a free and fun day out for the whole family.
The Scottish Coal Carrying Championships take place this Saturday and there's also live music and entertainment, children’s events, mascot races, a street market, heritage bus tours, food, refreshments and community attractions
Organiser Michael Boyle explained: "It’s not just a coal race – it’s a full day of sport, entertainment, heritage and community spirit for the whole family.
"The Scottish Coal Carrying Championships have become an important part of Kelty’s identity, celebrating the village’s proud mining heritage while bringing competitors, spectators and visitors together for a fantastic community event."
The annual race originates from stories that colliers in the late 1800s ran home from the pits with bags of "rakers" or "clugs" in their bags.
The event gets underway at noon and the main championship races remain at the heart of the day, with competitors testing their strength, stamina and determination over the tough one-kilometre course.
The programme will also feature children’s events and mascot races, a street market with more than 30 stalls, offering a wide range of products, crafts, gifts, food and local businesses, while the live music and entertainment will create a "festival atmosphere".
Heritage bus tours will give visitors the opportunity to discover more about the area and the communities whose lives were shaped by the coal industry.
Michael added: "Whether you are coming to tackle Scotland’s Toughest Kilometre, cheer on the competitors, browse the market, enjoy the music, discover some local history or simply soak up the atmosphere, there will be something happening for everyone."
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