Story - One man and his dog compete in this year's World Coal Carrying Championships
Like so many of Britain’s quirky contests, this one was forged in the pub as a test of fitness and Butchness.
The championship was dreamt up over a pint in 1963 when one man walked into his local pub and remarked to another customer that he looked a little unfit. Somewhat offended he challenged him to a race while carrying a sack of coal and the World Coal Carrying Championships was born.
Participants have to complete a one-kilometre course as fast as they can while carrying a bag of coal on their backs. . Men carry a 50kg sack of coal and women a 20kg sack.
The day started with the men’s veterans race, followed by two women’s races and then two men’s main races.
This year, race veteran Joel Hicks who has entered every year since 2007, did something unique and completed all (7) seven races with his dog Jessica, a 5-year-old Springer Spaniel.
He and Jessica completed all 7 races in the 2022 World Championships. They were: 2 x Veterans Races (50kg) - 2 x Ladies (20kg) - 3 x Men’s (50kg)
He was raising money for his charity 'Always With A Smile.”
Here is Joel's charity - www.alwayswithasmile.com
