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Time of India

Cheese Rolling Contest: People sprint to catch a 7-pound wheel of cheese

Every year on a steep hill in Gloucestershire, England, hundreds gather to chase a rolling 7-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down a dangerously steep slope. Known as the Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling Contest, the event is chaotic, absurd, and completely thrilling. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With participants tumbling, somersaulting, and crashing their way to the bottom, the headline 'People sprint to catch a 7-pound wheel of cheese' is technically accurate, but it doesn't quite capture the madness, tradition, and injuries that define this bizarre British spectacle. So, is it a good headline? That depends on what you're hoping to convey. What is the Cheese Rolling Contest The Cheese Rolling Contest is an annual event held on Cooper's Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire. Dating back at least two centuries, and possibly much longer, the race involves competitors hurtling down a 200-yard slope after a large wheel of cheese. The goal? Be the first to reach the bottom and claim the cheese as a prize. It sounds simple, but the event is notorious for its steep incline, dangerous tumbles, and frequent injuries. The thrill and risk of the chase The hill is so steep that it's nearly impossible to stay upright. Most participants end up tumbling head over heels, colliding with each other or the ground. Gravity takes over quickly, and the cheese, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph, is almost never actually caught. Still, competitors willingly risk sprains, fractures, and concussions for a shot at glory and a round of cheese. Image: AP 2025 highlights: Familiar faces and dramatic falls This year, German YouTuber Tom Kopke claimed victory for the second year in a row. Shirtless and triumphant, he declared, 'I risked my life for this. It's my cheese. Back to back.' On the women's side, Ava Sender Logan from London tumbled repeatedly but emerged victorious, saying, 'It felt quite long coming down and then I hit my head. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now I'm fine.' Around them, spectators packed the woods and fences for a glimpse of the chaos. Is it just madness or tradition While the event may seem absurd to outsiders, for locals and returning participants, it's a point of pride and cultural identity. Despite calls to regulate or cancel it over safety concerns, the contest continues to thrive, drawing international competitors and media attention. Volunteers, medics, and long-time residents treat it as an important local tradition