Some unusual traditions can be found in the United Kingdom, and one of the quirkiest takes place in Brockworth, England. Here, locals partake in a peculiar activity: rolling wheels of cheese down a hill and chasing after them. The prize for the victor? The cheese itself. While it may seem like a risky endeavor, the participants are certainly up for the challenge.
Yes, really.
Tom Kopke slipped, stumbled and tumbled his way to victory in the annual Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling race.
In a recent event in Gloucester, located around 90 miles west of London, competitors gathered to engage in this unconventional sport. The task involved chasing a wheel of cheese down a steep 200-yard (180-meter) slope. Men and women competed in various groups, with the first person to catch the cheese at the hill’s base emerging victorious.
Finding that hard to believe something this grate could exist? Watch:
Daredevils have thrown themselves down a steep hill in the annual death-defying cheese rolling race in Gloucestershire.
Brave competitors sprinted, tripped and tumbled down Cooper’s Hill in Brockworth to try and win the 8lb double Gloucester.
The winner of the first men’s… pic.twitter.com/DxIWjKuavJ
— ITV News West Country (@itvwestcountry) May 26, 2025
Amidst the throngs of contestants, a competitor from Munich named Tom Kopke emerged triumphant in the day’s initial race. Following his win, Kopke, a German national, went on to secure the title for the second time. Reflecting on his victory, he remarked that the hillside conditions were notably dry and posed an even greater hazard compared to his previous triumph. He also shared insights into his successful strategy for clinching the win.
I just shut off my brain and went for it.
That much is certain. Herr Topke certainly went at it with muenster-ish determination, and as you will note in the video, he has some scrapes and bruises to show for it. And, despite the odds of injury, it seems a gouda time was had by all. And the Brits seem to welcome people of other nations to participate, as noted by the German champion. Although it’s unknown if any curds were present. And spectators seemed to be present in good numbers as well. You’re welcome to watch if chasing cheese is nacho thing.
