If you think chasing after a rolling ball is just for kids, think again.
Every year, daring competitors from all over the world gather at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire for one of the quirkiest — and riskiest — events you can imagine: cheese rolling.
This seemingly simple tradition is anything but tame, as participants sprint, tumble, and sometimes get seriously hurt trying to catch a speeding wheel of cheese hurtling down a steep hill.
When Tradition Gets Physical: Injuries and Emergency Response
This year’s event was no different, with one competitor needing an airlift to hospital after a nasty injury during the early races.
Photos captured the dramatic scene of a man being carried off on a stretcher, while an air ambulance touched down in a nearby field.
The second men’s race had to be delayed because of this incident.
Despite the dangers, the event pushed ahead — but not without warnings.
Local ambulance, fire, and police teams cautioned the public about the risks, fearing they might be overwhelmed if multiple injuries occurred simultaneously.
Still, the cheese rolling went on, continuing the legacy of this thrill-packed spectacle.
The Spirit of Competition: Champions and Costumes
Among the competitors was 23-year-old Tom Kopke, a YouTuber from Munich, who successfully defended his title from last year.
Tom described the run as “crazy” and “dangerous,” but said he went all in, shutting off his brain and just chasing the cheese.
Luke Briggs, another standout racer, took the hill in a Superman costume, adding a bit of superhero flair to the madness.
On the women’s side, first-time racer Ava Sender Logan, 20, from London, claimed victory despite confessing she doesn’t even like cheese!
Ava described her tumble down the hill as a blur but called the tradition “so cool.”
What Exactly Happens During the Race?
Competitors race down a steep 200-yard slope after a 3kg wheel of Double Gloucester cheese.
The cheese can reach speeds up to 70 mph, making the chase both thrilling and perilous.
The hill is notorious for causing racers to trip, somersault, and crash — but the stubborn ones pick themselves up and keep going until the cheese crosses the finish line.
This isn’t just a modern thrill-seeking event; the tradition dates back to the 1800s and may even have roots in pagan spring rituals.
Hundreds gather each year to watch the spectacle, some joining as racers, others as enthusiastic spectators.
The History Behind the Cheese Chase
The exact origin of the cheese rolling tradition is a bit of a mystery, with two main theories.
Some think it evolved from a practical custom related to grazing rights on common land.
Others believe it stems from ancient pagan fertility rites, where rolling objects down a hill symbolized renewal and abundance for the coming year.
Records show the event has been happening since at least 1826, though it’s believed to be much older — possibly 600 years.
Traditionally held on Whit Monday, it’s now part of the Spring Bank Holiday festivities.
During the race, the Master of Ceremonies even throws buns, sweets, and biscuits from the hilltop to encourage a fruitful harvest, keeping the connection to ancient customs alive.
Risks, Cancellations, and Rebellions
The event has always been risky, with dozens injured in past years — including a serious accident in 1993 where four people were badly hurt.
Due to safety concerns, the race was officially canceled in 2010 and again in some later years.
Yet, diehard “rebel” cheese rollers have kept the tradition alive unofficially.
The COVID-19 pandemic also forced cancellations in 2020 and 2021, but the race returned in June 2022, stronger than ever.
Local officials remain cautious though, with the Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group calling the event unsafe, especially after ambulances struggled to reach injured racers in 2023.
Remembering Past Champions and Looking Ahead
This year’s races honored two late champions, Izzy John and Steve Brain, who together won more than 30 cheese wheels between them and were remembered as “fearless” competitors.
The event also comes amid talks of giving cheese rolling official recognition on the UK’s new Inventory of Living Heritage, alongside other local traditions like surfing the Severn Bore.
Heritage ministers have praised these customs as part of Britain’s rich cultural tapestry.
What the Winners Had to Say
Tom Kopke, the defending champion, shared how he felt unbeatable this year despite the dangers.
“I risked my life for this. It’s my cheese. Back to back,” he said proudly.
Luke Briggs, the Superman-costumed winner of the second men’s race, was buzzing from his adrenaline rush.
“My dad did it, too. I can’t believe I won!” he exclaimed.
Ava Sender Logan, the women’s race winner, celebrated her first victory while representing the Refugee Community Kitchen, supporting displaced and homeless people in the UK and France.
Despite her tumble and a bump on the head, she said, “I’m fine. It’s such a tradition, and I’m so happy to have taken part.”
Why People Keep Coming Back
For many, cheese rolling is about more than just the cheese or the chase.
It’s a connection to history, a test of courage, and a shared moment of wild fun.
Local police understand its unique place in culture and have no plans to stop it, even if they urge caution and prepare for emergencies.
The crowd’s roar, the unpredictable tumbles, and the sheer thrill of racing a wheel of cheese down a crazy steep hill keep people coming back year after year — to witness one of Britain’s most unforgettable, bonkers traditions.
If you ever want to witness a tradition that’s equal parts history, adrenaline, and community spirit, cheese rolling at Cooper’s Hill is where it’s at.