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New-look coal hump revived
THE popular Scarborough tradition of coal-humping is back.
And veteran coal humper Roy Sykes, 62, came out of retirement to officially launch the two-mile event which will start and end at the Ivanhoe pub on Sunday April 19.
Mr Sykes, who was from the Barnsley area, was one of the last people to work with pit ponies and won the original Scar- borough Coal Hump in 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1982.
Organiser Andy Walters said he was resurrecting one of Scarborough's big events and the shorter course would be better for competitors, adding: "The original coal hump was far too long at four miles."
The tradition began with a heated debate in a pub between a butcher and a coal merchant as to who was the fastest carrying either a side of meat or a bag of coal over a measured course.
Mr Walters said: "The macho thing came in and people in the pub said 'why don't you have a competition?' The original course started at Scarborough Railway Station and went out to the Blacksmith's Arms in Cayton."
In later years the route started and finished at the Lifeboat House, in Foreshore Road, going along Marine Drive, during October.
During this year's event men will carry a 50kg bag and women will haul a 12.5kg bag.
All entries must be registered by the end of March and anyone wishing to take part will need to sign a disclaimer.
People who would like more information should Mr Walters at the Sunset Gym on (01723) 352447.
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Weather for Scarborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: North east
