Cheese lovers ignore warnings and throw themselves down hill in annual event

How some of us look diving into the fridge for cheddar (Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire)

Do you love cheese enough to risk concussion, broken legs, or even being knocked unconscious?

These were just some of the injuries after last year’s traditional British cheese roll, but it didn’t put people off coming back for 2024.

Despite pleas from responsible adults to just go to the supermarket and leave Cooper’s Hill well alone, people fell over themselves (literally) to join the event again today.

Competitors were seen flying, somersaulting, sliding and somersaulting down the muddy slope in Gloucestershire.

The event has been an annual fixture since the 1800s, only rarely cancelled due to things such as the pandemic.

It is dangerous because the incline of the 180-metre hill is extremely steep, with the slope plunging, flattening a bit and then plunging again.

The 3kg wheel of Double Gloucester can reach speeds of up to 70mph, making catching it extremely tricky, so the winner tends to be just who crosses the finish line first.

And they’re off! (Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire)

People were warned they participate at their own risk (Picture: Jules Annan/Backgrid)

It takes place at Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire (Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire)

Did you get the message it is dangerous yet? (Picture: Jules Annan/Backgrid)

One man bounced his way down (Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire)

But it was worth it for this competitor who went home victorious (Picture: BBC)

Although everyone starts quickly, it takes time for people to pick themselves up again after the inevitable falls, so it doesn’t tend to be a photo finish.

Today, the winner of the first men’s race was German racer Tom, who said he would be back again next year.

Adrenaline carried him through, he told the BBC, saying: ‘With the cheese rolling, once you start there’s no going back.’

The race comes after ‘cheese roll champion’ Chris Anderson, who has won the race 23 times since he was 16, shared his tips on success.

He advised people: ‘Make sure you know what you are getting into – it is dangerous.

‘If you fall over, get to your feet as quickly as possible.’

He also told people to lean backwards when they are running down.

Throughout his decades of competing, local man Chris, from Brockworth, has learned firsthand of the risks, as he bruised his kidney.

He still competes but hopes to pass the baton to his eldest son soon.

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