Inaugural World Beer Keg Carrying Championship held in Littleborough

Date published: 01 September 2018

John Hunter, from Scarborough, won the inaugural World Beer Keg Carrying Championship in Littleborough on Saturday (1 September).

The new annual event, organised by the Always With A Smile foundation and Littleborough's Zoe Attwood, saw 16 competitors run over the Roman Road from the Moorcock Inn to the White House whilst carrying a beer keg, donated by Marsden Brewery, filled with water.

The tough course attracted participants from Blackpool, Scarborough and Stockport, who carried the water-filled kegs, weighing more than 50 kilograms, on their backs for a mile uphill.

Two miniature beer kegs of Devil’s Backbone ale were presented to the overall winner and the winning team, which were scooped by the World Coal Carrying champion, John Hunter, from Scarborough, and Stockport’s Team Precision – William Kelly, Alfie Toland and Jamie Lawrence.

Mr Hunter won the event outright in 17.39 minutes, whilst Precision finished in 21.13.

Event organiser, Brian Gumbley hopes the championship will be even bigger and better next year. He finished the course in an impressive time of 28.20 minutes.

Mr Hunter said: “This was one of the hardest weight events I have taken part in. It was relentless, but I still managed it. I am glad to have won and set a record time.

"I like a challenge and I will be back next year. It has been a great day and event. I really enjoyed it and a big thank you to my pacer.”

Team Precision said: “We will do anything for Brian, and this is for charity.

"We will try and split the beer as equally as possibly.”

All proceeds from the entry fees will be donated to charity.

Inaugural World Beer Keg Carrying Championship held in Littleborough
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