Telegraph
(Filed: 29/05/2006)
Competitors from across the world will line up today for one of the most dangerous and bizarre "sporting" events of the year.
Medics are on hand for cheese-related injuries
Dozens of athletes will race each other down a sheer slope in pursuit of a giant cheese hurtling towards the bottom of Cooper's Hill, near Brockworth, Gloucestershire.
Up to 5,000 spectators are expected to line the course to see the participants chase the much sought after Double Gloucester 200 metres down a hill with a 1:2 gradient.
The winner of the chase will be rewarded with the eight pound circle of cheese followed, very often, by a trip to hospital.
There will be five downhill races this year, one for ladies, and uphill runs for children and anyone who fancies a challenge.
In each of the races some 20 competitors run, roll and somersault down the hill in what has become a celebration of English eccentricity.
Twenty five St John Ambulance volunteers will be on hand to nurse the inevitable injuries to both competitors and members of the crowd.
A few years ago, one unlucky spectator was hit on the head by the bouncing cheese circle and fell 100ft down the hill and spent the night in hospital.
"It is undoubtedly one of the strangest duties we do every year," Jim Jones, St John Ambulance operations training manager, said.
"The hill is incredibly steep and people often injure themselves falling down the hill or get hit by a flying cheese as they watch the races."
People from as far afield as America, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden travel to the hill every year to take part in the Cheese Roll.
The unusual event has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring.