Cheese Rolling - possibly one of the craziest events in the UK, if not the craziest !

Each year at a place called Cooper's Hill near Cheltenham in England, an event is held called Cheese Rolling.

Its an utterly crazy event where a large wheel of cheese is rolled down a hill, and then absolutely fearless (or mad) contestants run down the hill as fast at they can after it !

The view above shows you just how steep the hill is, and these contestants are climbing back up.

Its always had a sort of mythical status. We were lucky enough to get to see it back in 2007, when we used to live in the Gloucestershire area (the cheese that is rolled is double Gloucester I think).

Its so steep that basically within seconds of starting, all of the contestants end up tumbling down the hill after the cheese - and its brutal - I mean - flailing head over heels style, completely out of control !

As can be seen there are always ambulances on scene - which are entirely necessary. The year we went (2007), it had been raining, and so it was quite muddy. As a result they said there was a lot less injuries compared to normal !

To spectate you basically have to find a spot up the side of the hill - which is quite steep aswell. We couldnt believe it when we got there. Its hard to describe, but the photos dont quite show how steep the hill is. Put it this way - I'm a snow boarder and can snow board down anything, but I'm not sure I'd want to snowboard down that hill (with snow on), let alone chase a cheese down it on foot !!!!

Its one of those localised events that has gathered infamy over the years. Its not overly commercialised or anything (there isnt the space to do that), and the local council have tried to ban it on health and safety grounds - but its just one of those things that you cant stop.

It attracts dare-devils - or completely crazy people (is probably more accurate). Its probably one of those things that if you've ever entered it, you then have the bragging rights to tell the story (and probably some scars to show for it).

It was without a doubt one of the funniest things I've ever seen. When we first go there, we found a spot in the trees mid way up the hill, and couldnt see the top. We heard a cheer at the start, and then saw the cheese flying by - and a few seconds later about 10 people appeared, but basically upside down, mid-cartwheel. It was hilarious.

And it just runs all day - they just keep rolling them down, as long as they have willing contestants. And the funny thing is - if you win, you get to keep the cheese ! Thats it - nothing more !!!

I have to say that I'm glad I've seen it, as it does have quite a cool status. But under no way would I have ever entered a race ! If you are looking for one of those really crazy things to check out and experience - then this has to rank up there - it was awesome !!!