England’s Strangest Sport

Every year, during Spring, the South West England Gloucester region hosts the annual cheese-rolling event. People from all over the world travel to watch competitors run down a hill chasing a 4 kg round of cheese. Sound a bit strange? Let us explain to you how the sport started and what it is exactly.

So what is it?

A 4 kg round of Double Gloucester cheese is rolled from the very top of the hill and competitors chase after it down to the bottom. The first person across the finish line is the winner, with the cheese as their prize. Originally, the aim was to catch the cheese. However, with its one-second head start and how quickly it gains speed, this becomes pretty difficult – and dangerous! In the past, spectators have been injured by the rolling cheese, and in 2013 the cheese was replaced with a foam replica for safety reasons.

Where and when does it take place?

The event takes place on Cooper’s Hill, Gloucester. The main competitors are locals from the village. However, people have come from all over the world to take part in the unusual sport. It usually takes place on a weekend in May and begins around 12pm.

What are the rules?

There are four downhill races – three for men and one for women with a maximum of 14 racers for each, although more people usually join the race (some years there have been up to 40!) The Masters of the Ceremony kick off the event by shouting: ‘One to be ready, two to be steady, three to prepare (at which point the cheese is released), and four to be off.’ The competitors then begin running down the hill after the cheese, with the first person past the finish line becoming the winner.

How can you participate?

You do not need to meet any special criteria to enter the competition, or fill out any paperwork beforehand. All you need to do is arrive on time at the top of the hill and say you would like to join the race. Although, be careful – this isn’t a sport for the faint-hearted. You’ll be entering at your own risk – and make sure you don’t wear your favourite clothes!