Cooper's hill cheese rolling mayhem is underway for 2024 |  British news

Cooper's hill cheese rolling mayhem is underway for 2024 | British news

How some of us dip into the fridge for cheddar (Photo: Jacob King/PA Wire)

Do you love cheese so much that you risk a concussion, broken legs, or even unconsciousness?

These were just some of the injuries after last year's traditional British cheese sandwich, but it didn't stop people from coming back for 2024.

Despite pleas from responsible adults to just go to the supermarket and leave Cooper's Hill alone, people prevailed (literally) to take part in the event again today.

Competitors were seen to flyflips, slides and somersaults down the muddy slope in Gloucestershire.

The event has been an annual event since the 19th century and has only rarely been canceled due to issues such as the pandemic.

It is dangerous because the slope of the 180 meter high hill is extremely steep, with the slope collapsing, flattening out a bit and then collapsing again.

The Double Gloucester's 3 kg wheel can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h, making overtaking extremely difficult. So the winner is usually the one who crosses the finish line first.

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And they're gone! (Photo: Jacob King/PA Wire)
People were warned that they participate at their own risk (Photo: Jules Annan/Backgrid)
It takes place on Cooper's Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire (Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire)
Have you received a message that it is dangerous? (Photo: Jules Annan/Backgrid)
One man bounced down (Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire)
But it was worth it for this competitor who went home victorious (Picture: BBC)

Although everyone starts fast, it takes time for people to pick themselves up after the inevitable falls, so it doesn't often become a photo finish.

Today the winner of the first men's race was German racer Tom, who said he would be back next year.

Adrenaline got him through, he told the BBC: “Once you start rolling the cheese, there's no turning back once you start.”

The race comes after 'cheese roll champion' Chris Anderson, who has won the race 23 times since he was 16, shared his tips on success.

He advised people: 'Make sure you know what you're getting into, it's dangerous.

'If you fall, get up as quickly as possible.'

He also told people to lean back as they ran down.

During his decades of participation, local man Chris, from Brockworth, has learned first-hand of the risks as he bruised his kidney.

He still participates in competitions, but hopes to pass the baton to his eldest son soon.

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