The streets of Kelty will come to a standstill as the village hosts this year’s Scottish Coal Carrying Championships.
Thousands of spectators are expected to turn out and cheer on dozens of competitors for the 19th running of the annual event.
One of only two such races in the world, more than 70 men and women will run 1km through the village streets lugging sacks of coal 50kg for men, 25 for women.
Organiser Michael Boyle said: “It links our past with our present and that is the main thing. It helps to keep Kelty going and is a great advert for the whole of Fife.”
Those taking part have been asked to raise funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind charity, with a target of £5,000 having been set to help train a guide dog puppy.
This year’s event has attracted a record number of entries for both the men’s and women’s races, while there will also be a new event a coal race for mascots.
Organisers are confident that the increased exposure of the event will help draw even bigger crowds to the streets of Kelty.
“Usually they’re reaching about the 1,500 but I think we could easily get 3,000-3,500 turning up,” said Mr Boyle.
“It’s a great atmosphere and it doesn’t matter where you come from, people just want you to do well.”
Firefighter Grant Cotter will return to defend the title he secured last year, although this year’s men’s race is set to be close with last year’s runner-up, Jim McIntyre from Kirkcaldy, also returning.
Six-times champion John Hunter from Scarborough is back after sitting out last year’s race, while Fife police officer Steven Clark is also expected to place well.
Hazel Potter, who has dominated the women’s event in recent years, will defend her title once more.
Volunteers are still being sought for this year’s race. Anybody interested in helping can contact Mr Boyle on 0771 5304798.