Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling

quirky traditions · England · racing · cheese

Giant cheese wheel. Competitors chase a 7-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a 200-yard-long hill in Gloucestershire, England. The cheese rolls faster than people can run, so catching it is nearly impossible.

International madness. What started as a local English tradition now attracts racers from around the world, including Australia, Japan, Germany, Canada, and the United States. Winners have come from nearly every continent.

Ancient tradition. The event's earliest written record dates back to 1836, but people think it might be even older than that. It happens every Spring Bank Holiday, a long weekend in May.

Chaotic and wild. Runners tumble and roll down the bumpy hill in a scramble to catch the cheese before it reaches the bottom. The Guardian called it a world-famous event that's equal parts sport and beautiful chaos.