A repeat men’s winner and a first-time women’s champion emerged from the black stuff at the 20th annual Kelty coal race.
Champions Graeme Crane and Stacey Lockhart revealed their regular workouts at Dunfermline gym Crossfit Fife were what propelled them to victory.
This is the second year in succession that both the adult winners in the Scottish Coal Carrying Championship have come from the Dunfermline gym.
Held each year as part of Kelty gala day, the race is a test of endurance which sees competitors lug sacks of coal a kilometre through the town centre.
Photo gallery: 20th annual Kelty coal race
Male entrants carry 50kg sacks and the women 25kg.
Mr Crane, 36, from Dunfermline, said: “I used to live here and would see guys doing it all the time.
“It is a really fun event and having done it last year I knew what was coming. Sometimes though you do forget how hard it really is and when you hit the hills that is when it becomes a bit more painful.
“I only did it for the first time last year. There is a great community here and it is a really fun race.
“I have never run a race like it.”
Stacey Lockhart, 27, of Cowdenbeath, said: “This is the best I’ve ever done.
“I did it in 2011 and last year I came fifth. I thought I had a chance but I knew there were some good runners in it this year.
“The second hill was the toughest part and my legs went a bit funny.
“There are great crowds who come out to cheer us on and it’s the best gala I’ve been to. I’ll definitely be back next year.”
Cowdenbeath FC mascot Bluebell the Coo won the mascot race for the second year in succession.