This could be considered the “cheesiest” sporting event ever–but it’s also considered quite dangerous. Moreover, 2026 marks the 200th anniversary for the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling competition, which is set to take place on May 25.

Every spring–long before the first recorded event in 1826–people gather at Cooper’s Hill outside Gloucestershire, England, to watch or join in on one of the craziest traditions ever: a cheese rolling race. Racers quite literally chase after a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese as it speeds down a super-steep, 590-foot hill. The rules are simple: whoever gets to the bottom first or catches the cheese wins. The prize? Yep…cheese. 

As noted, the event has been going on for hundreds of years, and historians speculate it originated as a pagan celebration for spring. Now, it’s just a wild festival that brings a thousands of people together to have fun. While some come to actually race, others just come to watch people wipe out going down the hill.

How it works is simple: A solid, 7-9 pound wheel of cheese gets rolled down the hill…and everybody runs after it. The ground is bumpy and often slippery, causing racers to twist ankles, fall on their faces, or even slide all the way down.

Certainly, the weather can have an impact on the sport, as well. If the hill is dry, it would undoubtedly hurt more running over the tiny dirt moguls of the unmanicured hill or falling down onto the hardened soil. Since it’s so steep, people can–and do–get seriously injured. Yet, they keep doing it anyway. There is no training. There are no waivers. There aren’t even any sign-ups or list of rules really. Those 18 years of age or older can just show up and race.

There are always medics at the bottom to tend to the injured, as someone always requires some sort of medical attention in this dangerous sport. In fact, in 2023, Canadian competitor Delaney Irving won the ladies’ race–“despite finishing unconscious, and only learning of her victory in the medical enclosure,” reports The Guardian.  Additionally, six more competitors that year were taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment following the event, according to Gloucester Live.

Cross-country runner Luis Marquez Pantoja, a junior at Elkhart High School, reacts. What stands out to him most is how hard it would be to run down such a steep hill. “If you’ve ever tried running down a steep hill, you know how hard it is to balance yourself and keep your legs going as gravity pushes you forwards and down.” Continuing, Marquez Pantoja adds, “Now make it uneven, as well, and you’re just bound to fall!”

Could one’s running skills give him or her a leg up in a competition such as this? “Definitely!” Marquez Pantoja asserts. “In most cross-country races, you actually do run down a steep, uneven hill.” Reflecting on whether his own downhill encounters would aid him, he adds, “I’d have some experience at least!”

Would Marquez Pantoja be willing to put this to the test? “Absolutely! Don’t need any details. Sign me up!” Noting that people from all around the world compete in this event, it would actually be possible for him to compete –if not this year, in one of the many years to come.

The Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling race keeps gaining in momentum every year, proving that “weird” traditions can sometimes be the most fun ones, too. And, who knows, maybe Luis Marquez Pantoja will one day become the “big cheese” in this race!