Thousands of people lined the streets of Kelty at the weekend to witness one of the closest finishes to the Scottish Coal Carrying Championships the west Fife village has seen.
A photo finish separated the winner, with the first four men all from west Fife.
Despite falling over the line with his coal, Cowdenbeath scaffolder John Sinclair (26) narrowly beat local William Hargreaves.
Crowds lined Main Street to watch the 38 men and seven women take part.
Mr Sinclair, who finished in 4 mins 20 secs, said he was “exhausted” after the race, which also featured Mr Hargreaves’ brother John last year’s champion and John Hunter, of Scarborough, who has won the World Coal Carrying Championships in Yorkshire.
Susan Wallace, from Milnathort, finished first in the women’s event.
She finished second last year and takes the title from Hazel Porter, of Dunfermline, who could not take part as she is pregnant.
Ewan McPherson, also of Kelty, finished third, with Mr Hunter coming fourth.
Lochs councillor Alex Rowley said he was “delighted” with the race.
The male competitors carry a 50kg sack of coal over a 1k course, while the women carry a 25kg bag.
The championships were followed by the Kelty Gala, with a parade through the town.