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Wakefield Museums and Castles
Ah’ll race thee: Celebrating the Gawthorpe Coal Race
Wed 1 January 2025 - Wed 31 December 2025
Ossett Library Museum Hub
Our latest display at Ossett Library Museum Hub celebrates the Gawthorpe Coal Race.
The Gawthorpe Coal Race started as a pub challenge in 1963. It is now a global sporting event. Athletes race to carry heavy sacks of coal from Ossett uphill to the finish line in Gawthorpe. Even Fury from BBC’s Gladiators has taken part!
Visit our opening hub display to find out more about this quirky and gruelling tradition.
(Photo credit: Demon Wizard Photography)
1 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Ossett Library Museum Hub
Inside Ossett Library
Free, no booking required
All ages
The World Coal Carrying Championships in Gawthorpe, 18 April 2022
"It's a very bizarre tradition but it's very Yorkshire.”
"It's one of the best days of the year. It's like Christmas Day for the village."
Enjoy our exclusive film from the 2022 race. Hear how tough it really is on the runners. Find out why they take on the challenge. See what the event means to local people.
Film by Voices & Video
Visitor information
The hub is within Ossett Library, Town Hall, Ossett, WF5 8BE
The library is open:
- Monday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
For full visitor and access information please visit the Ossett Library website.
Acknowledgements
The Gawthorpe Maypole Committee run the Coal Carrying Championships. The committee and their supporters have kindly given items for the display and shared their stories.
Thank you to the race organisers, runners and crowds for all their contributions.
Duncan Smith, Gawthorpe Maypole Committee, said:
“I was absolutely thrilled to see the display and video. It brings alive the history, heritage and culture of the event very well.”
Get involved
If you have an Ossett story to share or an idea for a future display, we would love to hear from you. Email us at museums@wakefield.gov.uk