The ancient tradition of cheese rolling stands as one of Britain’s most peculiar and dangerous sporting events, where participants willingly hurl themselves down a nearly vertical slope in pursuit of a speeding wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. While the origins remain somewhat clouded in mystery, this centuries-old competition has transformed from a local folk game into an internationally renowned spectacle that draws thousands to Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire each spring. The combination of its rich historical legacy, genuine physical peril, and the seemingly absurd premise of chasing dairy products down a treacherous incline presents an intriguing paradox that demands closer examination.
Key Takeaways
- Competitors chase a 7-9 pound Double Gloucester cheese wheel down Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England, in a dangerous annual race.
- The hill features a steep 1:2 gradient where participants tumble down 200 yards while the cheese reaches speeds of 70-80 mph.
- Participants must be over 18 years old, and multiple races are held for both men and women with up to 14 competitors each.
- The tradition dates back approximately 600 years, with the first documented mention in 1826, attracting thousands of spectators annually.
- Winners receive the cheese wheel as their prize, though the event has a high injury rate of 333 injuries per 1,000 contestants.
Ancient Tales and Historical Roots
Tradition runs deep in the heart of Gloucestershire’s Cooper’s Hill, where the renowned cheese rolling competition has enthralled participants and spectators for centuries. The first documented mention of this unique event dates back to 1826, though historians believe the tradition extends much further, possibly spanning over 600 years.
The competition’s origins are intertwined with ancient pagan customs, suggesting connections to fertility rituals and spring celebrations. Early versions of the event included the distribution of buns and sweets at the hilltop, practices that researchers link to harvest traditions. The burning of hay, which preceded the use of cheese, may have symbolized the ritual clearing of winter’s remnants. Today, competitors chase a Double Gloucester cheese down the steep hillside, continuing this centuries-old tradition.
While some experts connect the event to Celtic or Roman ceremonies, others propose it began as a practical way to determine grazing rights in the region. Over time, the competition has evolved from a local custom into an international spectacle, drawing participants from across the globe. In spite of this transformation, the event remains deeply embedded in local culture, serving as a powerful symbol of community identity and historical continuity.
Why they Roll the Cheese?
The motivations behind cheese rolling are as complex as its historical roots. The tradition is believed to have originated from ancient pagan ceremonies, where burning bundles of brushwood were rolled down hills to symbolize the end of winter. Over time, this evolved into the cheese-rolling event we know today, though its exact origins remain a subject of discussion.
One practical theory suggests that cheese rolling was used to maintain grazing rights on common land, reflecting the deep agricultural ties of the Gloucestershire region. The competition attracts thousands of spectators each year, showcasing its enduring popularity. The rural significance of the event is further emphasized by the custom of scattering buns, biscuits, and sweets at the hill’s summit to guarantee a bountiful harvest, connecting the competition to farming traditions. In spite of significant changes in the local community over centuries, this unique custom has endured.
Today, while participants chase an 8-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down Cooper’s Hill, the event represents more than just a race. It stands as an affirmation of the preservation of rural traditions and the community’s determination to maintain their cultural heritage, even as the competition has gained international recognition.
The Perfect Racing Hill
Cooper’s Hill, located in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, provides the ideal setting for cheese rolling with its particularly steep 1:2 gradient and challenging 180-200 yard course. The hill’s natural features, including loose rocks and uneven terrain, create an intense racing environment where competitors must navigate hazardous conditions while chasing the cheese. The combination of the hill’s length, slope, and rugged surface has made it the perfect venue for this centuries-old tradition, allowing the cheese to reach impressive speeds of up to 70-80 mph during its descent. Participants must be over 18 years to take part in this thrilling and dangerous competition.
Cooper’s Hill Essential Features
Racing down a near-vertical slope, competitors at Cooper’s Hill face one of the most challenging cheese-rolling venues in existence. The hill’s extraordinary gradient of over 45 degrees creates ideal conditions for both the tumbling cheese wheel and the determined participants who chase after it. The race distance spans approximately 100 meters, though some sources indicate it could extend to 200-300 yards.
Cooper’s Hill combines several crucial features that make it perfectly suited for this unique sporting event. The upper sections are significantly steep and vertical, allowing the cheese wheel to reach impressive speeds of 70-80 mph during its descent. At the bottom of the hill, safety measures include strategically placed hay bales and a metal fence to help catch both the competitors and the racing cheese. The local rugby team stands ready to assist participants who maintain high speeds as they approach the finish line. Dating back to either the 1600s or 1700s, this historic racing venue has witnessed countless competitors testing their courage against its challenging terrain. These fundamental characteristics of Cooper’s Hill have remained largely unchanged for generations, preserving the traditional nature of this centuries-old competition while providing the necessary elements for both thrilling competition and basic safety considerations.
Natural Racing Advantages
Along Cooper’s Hill’s legendary slope, nature has crafted what many consider the perfect venue for cheese rolling competitions. The hill’s impressive average gradient of over 45 degrees creates ideal conditions for both the cheese and competitors to experience a thrilling descent. This natural incline allows the wooden round of cheese to reach remarkable speeds of up to 70 mph, and sometimes even exceeding 80 mph, as it tumbles down the course.
The hill’s length of just over 100 meters provides the perfect distance for an intense race, while its uneven terrain adds a crucial element of challenge. Natural obstacles, including rocks and bumps scattered across the slope, require participants to demonstrate both skill and quick thinking during their descent. Traditional Double Gloucester cheese wheels are exclusively used in these races, maintaining centuries of local custom. These consistent conditions, maintained year after year at the same location, have established Cooper’s Hill as the definitive venue for cheese rolling competitions. The combination of steep gradient, ideal length, and challenging terrain creates a natural racing environment that has tested competitors’ abilities for centuries, making it an enduring symbol of this unique sporting tradition.
Legendary Double Gloucester Cheese
The historic Double Gloucester cheese, which has been central to the competition for centuries, represents a rich tradition of English cheesemaking that dates back to the 1500s. The eight-pound wheel of Double Gloucester used in the race serves as both the object of pursuit and the champion’s ultimate prize, making it a symbol of victory in this dangerous annual event. Each winning participant receives their own wheel of Double Gloucester cheese, marking them as that year’s Cheese Rolling Champion and connecting them to generations of past victors who have claimed this distinctive prize. The race attracts thousands of spectators who gather to watch competitors chase the nine-pound wheel down Cooper’s Hill each spring.
Historic Cheesemaking Process
Heritage and tradition converge in the centuries-old craft of Double Gloucester cheesemaking, which dates back to the 16th century in Gloucestershire, England. The process began with the prized milk of Old Gloucester cows, known for their exceptional cheesemaking qualities. Traditional farmhouses featured dedicated cheese-aging rooms, highlighting the significance of this local craft.
The production process follows specific steps that distinguish Double Gloucester from its counterpart, Single Gloucester. Full-fat milk from both morning and evening milking sessions is combined, and the natural dye annatto is added to create its characteristic orange color. The curds undergo careful heating and repeated cutting to achieve the proper dampness content. Historically, buyers would test the cheese’s quality by jumping on wheels to verify their firmness.
| Process Step | Double Gloucester | Single Gloucester |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Type | Full-fat only | Some skimmed milk |
| Aging Time | 6+ months | 2 months |
| Color | Deep orange | Pale yellow |
| Market Range | National sale | Local consumption |
During the aging period of at least six months, the cheese develops its distinctive hard texture and robust flavor. The rind is regularly brushed to create a tough exterior suitable for transport, reflecting its historical role as a cheese produced for broader distribution beyond Gloucestershire.
Cheese Rolling Prize Traditions
Prestigious Double Gloucester cheese serves as the coveted prize in one of Britain’s most unusual sporting traditions. The carefully prepared prize cheese, weighing between 7-9 pounds, is decorated with ribbons and protected by a wooden casing before the competition begins. At the start of each race, the cheese master throws the wheel into the air, sending it rolling down the steep hill at speeds reaching 70 miles per hour.
The competition’s prize traditions date back centuries, with written records first appearing in 1826, though the practice is believed to be much older. The Double Gloucester cheese used in the event carries Protected Designation of Origin status, ensuring its authentic production according to strict regional guidelines. Multiple races are held for both men and women, with separate prizes awarded to each category’s winners. The event’s family-friendly atmosphere is enhanced by local vendors offering artisanal products and cheese tastings.
Notable champions include Chris Anderson with 23 wins, Stephen Gyde with 21 wins, and Steven Brain with 18 wins. The competition has evolved into an internationally recognized event, attracting participants from diverse countries including Australia, Japan, Canada, and Egypt, while maintaining its significance as a symbol of local heritage and community pride.
Racing Rules and Regulations
During the annual Cheese Rolling Competition at Cooper’s Hill, participants follow a remarkably simple set of rules in spite of the event’s fundamental dangers. The competition consists of four separate downhill races, including three men’s events and one women’s event, with each race accommodating up to 14 competitors, though more often participate. St John Ambulance crews previously provided first aid services to handle the frequent injuries.
The basic principle of the race is straightforward: competitors chase after a Double Gloucester cheese wheel, which gets a one-second head start down the steep 200-yard course. While catching the cheese, which reaches speeds up to 80 mph, is virtually impossible, the first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill is declared the winner. The Master of Ceremonies initiates each race with a traditional rhyme, marking the official start of the competition.
Notably, the event maintains an open participation policy, with no formal registration requirements or entry criteria. Participants simply need to arrive at the hill on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday and enter at their own risk. The unofficial nature of the event emerged after local authorities withdrew their involvement as a result of safety concerns.
The Art of Cheese Rolling
Mastering cheese rolling requires a combination of physical skill, strategic positioning, and controlled falling techniques that participants develop through experience on Cooper’s Hill. The traditional Double Gloucester cheese, weighing between 7-9 pounds, plays an essential role in the competition, as its size and weight influence how it travels down the steep slope at speeds reaching 70 mph. Successful competitors often train by practicing hill running, developing core strength, and learning to maintain balance while moving at high speeds down steep inclines. The competition has become a cherished rite of passage for locals in the Brockworth community.
Mastering The Downhill Tumble
Plunging down Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire requires more courage than technique in the heart-pounding sport of cheese rolling. The 200-yard slope, with its near-vertical gradient, challenges participants as they chase a wheel of cheese that reaches speeds up to 70 miles per hour. The event, dating back to at least 1826, welcomes both local and international participants without requiring prior registration.
Safety concerns are significant, with common injuries including bruises, sprains, and broken bones, though no fatalities have occurred. The tradition combines physical endurance with historical significance, featuring ceremonial elements like the scattering of buns and sweets to symbolize fertility rites. The wheel of Double Gloucester cheese used in the competition weighs between 7-9 pounds and is adorned with colorful ribbons.
Key aspects of mastering the downhill tumble include:
- Physical fitness and agility are crucial for surviving the descent
- Up to 14 racers can participate in each race
- The first person to reach the bottom wins the cheese
- No specific running technique is required
- Local volunteers provide support throughout the event
The competition resumed after a two-year suspension during the pandemic, continuing to attract participants from countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, and the USA.
Cheese Selection Matters
At the heart of this extraordinary competition lies a carefully selected 7–9-pound Double Gloucester cheese, which serves as both quarry and prize. Since 1988, local cheesemakers Diana Smart and her son Rod have supplied these specially crafted rounds from their Churcham farm, maintaining an essential link to the region’s heritage. Each cheese is protected by a wooden casing and decorated with ribbons before its dramatic descent.
The cheese’s selection plays a vital role in the competition’s dynamics, as it can reach speeds up to 70 mph down the steep Cooper’s Hill. Traditionally, three cheeses were presented by parishioners, though modern events feature a single cheese purchased through community collections. While safety concerns led to a brief experiment with a foam replica in 2013, the competition quickly returned to using real cheese the following year. The event draws thousands of spectators annually to witness this unique sporting spectacle.
The Double Gloucester’s significance extends beyond the race itself, representing a deep connection to local traditions and drawing participants worldwide. Protected by its wooden casing, the cheese has become an enduring symbol of this unique event, with winners claiming their hard-earned dairy prize at the bottom of the hill.
Training For Success
Successful cheese rolling demands more than just courage and determination—it requires strategic preparation and physical conditioning. Participants must familiarize themselves with the challenging terrain of Cooper’s Hill, which features a near-vertical gradient of 1:2. Training on similar steep slopes helps contestants develop the necessary skills and confidence for race day. Organizing a thorough risk assessment beforehand ensures participants can train and compete safely while maximizing their chances of success.
Physical preparation and technique refinement are crucial components of training. Athletes should focus on mastering horizontal barrel rolls, which prove safer and more effective than headfirst attempts. Understanding the hill’s characteristics and watching previous races can provide valuable insights into successful strategies.
- Practice rolling techniques on gradually steeper hills to build muscle memory and control
- Develop core strength and flexibility through targeted exercises
- Scout the course beforehand to identify ideal racing lines and potential hazards
- Study successful competitors’ techniques through video analysis
- Build endurance through regular cardiovascular training
Safety awareness remains paramount throughout the training process. While protective gear isn’t commonly used, contestants should understand injury prevention techniques and be prepared for the physical demands of the event. Medical support is available on-site, but proper training can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries.
Global Champions and Local Heroes
Champions from across the globe have transformed the once-local tradition of cheese rolling into an international spectacle, with winners emerging from countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. The competition’s most successful participant, Chris Anderson, holds an impressive record of 23 wins, while Cooper Cummings established the fastest race time of 13 seconds in 2023.
Recent competitions have highlighted the event’s international appeal, with Tom Kopke from Germany, Dylan Twiss from Australia, and American Abby Lampe securing victories in 2024. Local talent continues to thrive alongside international competitors, as demonstrated by Joshua Shepherd from Brockworth, who claimed his second championship title in 2024. Competitors chase a Double Gloucester cheese wheel weighing between 7-9 pounds down the treacherous slope. In the women’s division, Flo Early leads with four wins, while Dionne Carter, Lucy Townsend, and Amanda Turner share second place with three victories each.
The event’s accessibility contributes to its global appeal, as participants over 18 can join without registration by simply arriving at Cooper’s Hill on race day. This open format has helped maintain the competition’s spirit while attracting thousands of spectators and competitors worldwide.
Medical Teams on Standby
Safety concerns cast a shadow over the Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling competition owing to the absence of official medical support at the event. Since St John Ambulance withdrew their services in 2012, participants have competed without dedicated onsite medical coverage, leading to significant challenges when injuries occur. Emergency response times have been significantly affected by access difficulties to the site, while the increasing number of casualties continues to strain local emergency services.
The Safety Advisory Group has identified several critical medical concerns:
- No official medical team is present during the event to provide immediate care
- Emergency services struggle to reach injured participants quickly because of site accessibility issues
- Multiple injuries occur regularly, including broken bones and unconsciousness
- The cheese wheel can reach dangerous speeds of up to 70mph, increasing injury risks
- Local hospitals face sudden surges in emergency cases during the event
Last year’s event saw multiple medical episodes requiring immediate paramedic intervention, highlighting the ongoing risks to participant safety. The absence of organized medical support raises specific concerns given the event’s history of injuries, with a remarkable incident in 1997 resulting in 33 casualties. In spite of these challenges, the traditional competition continues to operate without official medical oversight, leaving participants to compete at their own risk.
Crafting the Competitor Cheese
The iconic Double Gloucester cheese, central to Cooper’s Hill’s annual competition, has been meticulously crafted by local cheesemaker Diana Smart and her son Rod since 1988. Each competition cheese weighs between 7-9 pounds and is specially prepared with a protective wooden casing to withstand the intense rolling down the hill, where it can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour.
Before the race begins, the cheese is decorated with traditional ribbons and undergoes careful preparation by the Masters of Ceremony. The wooden casing serves two crucial purposes: protecting the cheese during its rapid descent and making it easier for officials to handle during the event. To guarantee fair competition, the cheese is given a one-second head start, making it nearly impossible for competitors to catch, with successful catches occurring approximately once every eight years.
The competition has maintained its traditional use of real Double Gloucester cheese throughout its history, with only one notable exception in 2013 when a foam replica was temporarily used for safety reasons. The following year, organizers returned to using authentic cheese, preserving the competition’s historic integrity. The tradition dates back to at least the 1800s, with origins believed to be connected to ancient pagan rituals celebrating the arrival of spring.
Survival Tips for First Timers
For aspiring cheese chasers, preparing for Cooper’s Hill’s legendary competition requires careful consideration of both safety measures and strategic planning. Participants should arrive early to secure a favorable position at the hill’s summit, where the race begins, and wear sturdy footwear suitable for the challenging terrain. Competitors must be prepared for intense action as the cheese races downhill at roughly 130 km/h.
Understanding the course dynamics is essential for survival, as the left side of the hill offers fewer obstacles and hazardous rabbit holes. When descending, maintaining control of your speed while staying upright increases both safety and chances of victory. Should you fall, remember to tuck and roll to minimize injury risks.
- Position yourself on the left side of the hill for ideal racing conditions
- Wear robust outdoor shoes with excellent grip and stability
- Practice controlled descent techniques before race day
- Master the tuck-and-roll method for safer falls
- Stay alert and maintain awareness of other competitors
While medical support is available on-site, prevention remains the best strategy. The unofficial nature of the event means participants must take personal responsibility for their safety. After completing your run, clear the course quickly to avoid collision with other competitors and seek medical attention if needed.
Best Spots for Spectators
Choosing an ideal viewing location at Cooper’s Hill can significantly improve spectators’ experience of the iconic cheese rolling competition. Each position along the hill offers unique advantages for watching this thrilling event.
The bottom of the hill provides an excellent view of the finish line, where spectators can witness the dramatic resolution of each race. This relatively flat area attracts thousands of viewers who gather to see competitors complete their daring descent. Spectators should arrive by 11am at latest to secure prime viewing positions. The middle section of the hill offers perhaps the most exciting perspective, as spectators can observe participants tumbling and somersaulting down the steep slope, with most runners favoring the left side of the hill.
For those seeking an all-encompassing view, the top of the hill allows spectators to observe the entire race from start to finish. This vantage point clearly shows the hill’s impressive steepness and the dramatic starting sequence. Alternative viewing spots include positions among the trees and along the hill’s perimeter, though these areas require careful navigation of uneven terrain. Spectators should prepare to stand for extended periods, regardless of their chosen location.
Notable Injuries and Close Calls
Participating in Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling comes with substantial risks, as evidenced by its remarkably high injury rate of 333 injuries per 1,000 contestants. The dangerous nature of the event has led to numerous serious injuries over the years, including broken bones, concussions, and severe cuts. Even experienced champions like Chris Anderson have suffered significant injuries, including a broken wrist, bruised kidney, and multiple concussions across different races. The race begins with the traditional one to be ready countdown that signals the start of this perilous competition.
The extreme nature of the competition is demonstrated by these notable incidents:
- In 1997, 33 injuries in a single event led to the cancellation of two races the following year
- The 2015 women’s champion, Katie Hagenuard, sustained a broken arm, major thigh tears, and a head gash
- A 2009 event drew 15,000 spectators to a space meant for only 5,000, creating dangerous conditions
- The cheese itself reaches speeds of up to 70 mph, posing risks to both participants and spectators
- In 2012, St John Ambulance withdrew first aid support owing to lack of official management
Despite these risks and several attempts to implement safety measures, including using foam cheese replicas, the event continues to attract determined participants.
The Future of Cheese Rolling
The future of Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling appears secure in light of its unofficial status and inherent risks. With a history spanning approximately 600 years and documented evidence from 1826, this unique tradition continues to draw thousands of spectators and competitors from around the world annually. Recent slippery and wet conditions have added to the challenge for participants chasing the cheese wheel downhill.
Recent champions demonstrate the event’s international appeal, with winners from Germany, Australia, and the United States participating alongside local competitors. The competition maintains its accessibility through simple participation guidelines, requiring only that runners be over 18 years old and show up on the day of the event. Multiple races throughout the day, including separate events for men and women, guarantee broad participation.
The event’s location at Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, remains easily accessible via public transportation, with direct trains from London Paddington to nearby Gloucester. While the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellations in 2020 and 2021, the competition’s successful resumption shows its resilience. Although having no official organizing body, the combination of historical significance, international participation, and continued local support suggests this unique tradition will endure for generations to come.
