Kelty Coal Race

Guest speaker was Michael Boyle who explained how he came to be the organiser of the Kelty Coal Race tracing his and the events journey from Kelty Gala into the event it has become. The formerly SSEB employee was a volunteer for Kelty Gala when he found himself the events organiser. 

Kelty was built on coal and became one of the largest villages in Scotland. Coal was King and employed many. Galas were supported by coal barons, unions and local benefactors since they generated community sprit

The Gawthorpe Coal Race at Ossett in West Yorkshire was identified as an example of the kind of event that could rescue the Kelty Gala and so it was that the Kelty Coal Race was established back in 1995. These two are the only Coal Races in the World. The idea was quirky, unique and an imagination catcher.

The event sees bags of coal carried 1000m. The men’s race has 50 kilo bags of coal and women’s 25 kilos. There are Junior races and Mascot Races.  A good time for completing the race would be five minutes but the record stands at 3min 57seconds.

In 2015 it was recognised Coal Race should be a stand-alone event. This allowed access to National funders because it was no longer a local event.

A complete rebrand saw the name changed to the Scottish Coal Carrying Championship. Endorsed by Scottish Parliament the race even had Basil Brush as it’s promoter in 2021. View the video below.


The video attracted 17,000 hits and created a social media boom - Boom, Boom!

The rebrand introduced a motto - A look at the past with an eye to the future.  Michael explained that the event is more than just a Coal Race!!  In 2022/2023 introduced Heritage Tours, Scottish Draught Champoonship, Darts and Gird n Cleek Championships. 

The event starts with a parade with pipe bands, dance groups. There is a fun fair, a street market and a high profile band to end the day.  The 25th anniversary Coal Carrying Championship on 31st August attracted an entry of 62 ladies and 77 men. 

In a demonstration of sustainability the same coal has been used since 1995!