Daredevil racers are limbering up for one of Great Britain’s most bizarre traditions — flinging themselves down a steep hill in pursuit of an eight-pound wheel of cheese, according to National Today.
But it’s not just any cheese, it’s a speeding wheel of Double Gloucester said to roll down Cooper’s Hill at a speeds that reach 70 mph.
This year’s Gloucester Cheese Rolling race is scheduled to take place on May 25 and it’s set to be as bonkers as ever with people jetting in from all over the world to participate.
There are multiple races, hundreds of participants and even more spectators. And the number grows each year as more and more folks decide to take a fling at it.
Participants race down Cooper’s Hill, which is a 200-yard-long incline, throwing their bodies onto the ground and having hilarious fun.
There are sore bodies and scores of injuries, and the entrants finish dirt-streaked and weary — but raving that it was the most exciting 10 minutes of their year.
Victory goes to whoever survives the descent, crosses the finish line and grabs the cheese.
In 2022, a 21-year-old North Carolina native named Abby Lampe won the women’s cheese-roll race.
“It’s a funny thing,” Abby told Sports Illustrated after her victory. “I love doing competitions, especially ones that are obscure. I’ve done the Krispy Kreme Challenge (where participants eat a dozen donuts halfway through a five-mile race). I’m just a very competitive person.
“I did a test run first … but it was not what I expected. It was so much deeper in person than it looks in videos or photos. I slid around halfway down the hill and then stumbled and tumbled the rest of the way.”
This race dates back over 600 years, possibly rooted in ancient celebrations — though today it’s all about adrenaline and bragging rights.
If you fancy joining in, there’s no red tape to negotiate. All you have to do is show up — then stop, drop and roll.
