Cheese Rolling: The World's Most Dangerous Race

In the village of Brockworth, England, there's an annual event that's both thrilling and dangerous: the Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling Race. Participants chase a 7-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down an incredibly steep hill.

The race is about 200 yards long, but the hill's steepness makes it extremely challenging. With an initial drop of 60 degrees and an average incline of 45 degrees, many runners struggle to stay upright. Most end up tumbling down the hill, risking serious injuries.

Despite the dangers, the event attracts thousands of spectators and participants from around the world. Winners have come from as far as New Zealand and the United States. However, local runners often have an advantage due to their familiarity with the hill.

The origins of this unusual tradition are unclear, but it has been documented since 1826. Some believe it started as a pagan ritual to bless farmers' crops, while others think it began as a way to test barrel integrity. Regardless of its origins, the cheese rolling race has become a beloved local tradition that continues to captivate people worldwide.