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Coal race 'at risk' over pub redevelopment plan

Alex MossYorkshire
News imageBBC A group of people running on a road carrying bags on coal on their backs. They are wearing yellow t-shirts and black shorts. BBC
The annual World Coal Carrying Championships takes places in Gawthorpe on Easter Monday

The future of the annual World Coal Carrying Championships could be at risk due to plans to turn the starting point of the race into a 24-hour petrol station, it is claimed.

Since 1963, the event, which sees runners haul sacks of coal across a distance of 3,320ft (1,012m), has begun from the Royal Oak pub on Owl Lane in Ossett.

Plans have been submitted to turn the now empty premises into a petrol station which developers said would "enhance the appearance" of that part of the road.

Councillor Duncan Smith president of the race's organising committee said the loss of the starting point "placed this internationally recognised event at risk".

The race, which is held on Easter Monday each year, began as "a bit of banter" between men in a local pub in 1963.

Since then, it has grown in popularity with people from all over the world taking part.

News imageAlex Moss/BBC A three-storey dilapidated building on a roadside. There is a white flag with a red cross on it attached to a metal pole outside. In the background is a water tower. Alex Moss/BBC
The race has started from the former Royal Oak pub, known locally as 't'Barracks'

Traditionally, men carried 7st 12lb (50kg) sacks of coal and women carried 3st 2lb (20kg) from the Royal Oak pub to the village's Maypole Green.

Smith, who represents Ossett and Gawthorpe, said that interest in the race was "stronger than ever" and that all 240 adult entries had sold out within a few hours, with entrants coming from as far away as Canada and Boston.

News imageGuinness World Records/Mark Bickerdike A close up of a blond woman carrying a sack of coals over her shoulders. She is smiling at the camera and has dirt stains along her forearms.Guinness World Records/Mark Bickerdike
Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley took part in last year's race

He said that while the Royal Oak, which is on greenbelt land, was not a designated heritage asset, "it holds significant community value" because of its link to the race.

"The loss of this established starting point and the practical difficulties of road closures around a 24-hour petrol station place it at risk.

"The event forms part of our areas living and intangible heritage and community identity and that must not be dismissed."

As well as a petrol station, plans for the site include a car wash, parking and a shop.

A planning statement provided on behalf of Asmal Forecourts Ltd said: "Its redevelopment offers an opportunity to enhance the appearance of this part of Owl Lane while providing a valuable roadside facility for local residents, passing motorists and nearby businesses."

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