The Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships sees runners carry coal sacks along a 1.1km through the village near Wakefield. The race is held each Easter Monday and has attracted competitors from around the world. Male runners carry coal sacks weighing 50k. Female runners' sacks weigh 20k. Organisers have cancelled the 2020 event in line with social distancing measures to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic following consultation with West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council. It is the first time the annual race has been scrapped since it began in 1964. We hope these photos, published courtesy of the Gawthorpe Maypole Committee, will spark happy memories for event supporters. READ MORE: Gawthorpe World Coal Carrying Championships cancelled for the first time in its 57-year history due to Coronavirus