VIDEO: Gym work pays off in Kelty coal race

Caroline Lech and Graeme Crane burned up the road to win the Scottish Coal Carrying Championships in Kelty.

After triumphing in the ladies’ and men’s events, first-time competitors Caroline, 36, and Graeme, 35, revealed they owed their superfit physiques to regular workouts at Dunfermline gym Crossfit Fife.

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.

Male competitors carry 50kg sacks, and the women 25kg.

Firefighter Caroline, who lives in Crossford and is mum to Hayden, 2, said: “It was really hard. My throat was on fire from working so hard.”

Medical sales rep Graeme, from Dunfermline, was cheered on by fiancee Clare as he completed the course.

Gallery: Scottish Coal Carrying Championships

He later found out his time of four minutes and 18 seconds was one of the fastest ever.

“There was a line-up of very strong guys and it was quite a tough race.

“I’m just happy to have finished. It was a relief.”

The men’s race was briefly postponed after a spectator took ill and an ambulance was called to the scene.