What is the annual Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling race?

Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling race is an annual event held on Cooper's Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, England. It is a traditional and eccentric British event that takes place on the last Monday of May each year, also known as Spring Bank Holiday.

The race involves participants chasing a nine-pound round of Double Gloucester cheese down a steep and bumpy 200-meter hill. The racecourse is approximately 180 yards (165 meters) long and reaches an incline of 35 degrees at its steepest point. The cheese is released at the top of the hill, and the participants chase after it as fast as they can. The first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill and catch the cheese is declared the winner.

The race is known for its comical and chaotic nature. The hill is very slippery, and participants often fall and tumble down the slope. It is not uncommon for injuries to occur during the race, such as broken bones and scrapes. However, the event attracts thousands of spectators each year, who come to watch the participants' daring attempts to catch the cheese.

The origin of the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling race is uncertain. Some believe it started as a way to transport cheese from local farms to the market in nearby Brockworth. Others suggest it may have been a celebration of the end of the spring harvest. Whatever its origins, the race has become a beloved tradition in Gloucestershire and a unique and exciting spectacle for visitors from all over the world.