WATCH | Thrill-seekers roll down a hill in British cheese chase

27 May 2025 - 12:13 By Reuters

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Hundreds of thrill-seekers descended on Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire, England, for the annual cheese rolling contest, a traditional competition where participants hurl themselves down a 180m hill to chase a rolling cheese wheel.

Crowds of people during Gloucestershire's famous cheese-rolling contest on May 26 2025 in Brockworth, England.
Image: Cameron Smith/Getty Images

The ankle-breaking extreme sport has officially been recorded since 1826, but is thought to have roots in an ancient pagan tradition.
Image: Cameron Smith/Getty Images

Contestants in the men's downhill race chase the cheese down the hill on May 26 2025 in Brockworth, England.
Image: Cameron Smith/Getty Images

Every year competitors and spectators from around the world gather for the Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling competition that sees participants fling themselves down a steep hill in pursuit of a rolling 3kg wheel of double Gloucester cheese.
Image: Cameron Smith/Getty Images

The first contestant to the bottom of the 180m Cooper's Hill wins the wheel of cheese.
Image: Cameron Smith/Getty Images

Rugby players attempt to catch a contestant in the men's downhill race during Gloucestershire's famous cheese rolling contest on May 26 2025 in Brockworth, England.
Image: Cameron Smith/Getty Images

Byron Smith, 33, from New Zealand, holds a cheese wheel after winning the final race during the annual Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake competition near Brockworth, England, on May 26 2025.
Image: REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

Tom Kopke, from Munich, holds a cheese wheel after winning the first race of the annual Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake competition near Brockworth, England, on May 26 2025.
Image: REUTERS/Isabel Infantes