May's most ridiculous and cutthroat competition: Cooperschild Cheese Race 2013

Despite warnings from the police, the Cooperschild Cheese Race took place again. This tradition dates back over 200 years. Nothing is known about its exact origin. The race takes place on the last Monday of May at Cooper's Hill, near Gloucester, England. Participants go down the hill for a head of double Gloucester cheese. Various injuries, including fractures and dislocations, are common in the race. The winner takes the cheese home.

The weight of a head of cheese was constantly decreasing: previously it was 18 kilograms, then 5, now 3.5. The last time the Cooperschild race was officially held in 2009, then it was banned for safety reasons. But people still continue to arrange it every year, only now unofficially. Thousands of people come to watch this spectacle. Police recently warned cheesemaker Diana Smart, who has been supplying cheese for the race for 25 years, that she could face legal liability, but that hasn't stopped organizers from holding the event.

(Total 25 photos)

Racers chase cheese down steep Cooper Hill in Brokworth, Gloucestershire, England on May 27, 2013.

2. People sit on top of Cooper's Hill waiting for the launch of cheese in Brokworth, England.

3. The sign warns people of the dangers of participating in the Cooperschild Cheese Race.

4. People in T-shirts with the words "and we roll again" are waiting for the start of the race.

5. Spectators gathered to watch the race.

6. The race has started.

7. Participants rushed for cheese.

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9. People are trying to catch a racer in a tooth suit.

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15. Women's stage of the race.

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24. US Army veteran Kenny Ruckers of Colorado Springs, Colorado, celebrates his victory in the Cooperschild Cheese Race. Ruckers came to Brockworth from the US just to race.