Insane Gloucester cheese race results in a record 22nd win for Anderson

They tried to ban it, but the Gloucestershire cheese roll took place over the weekend, and these were some of the best wipeouts! ??? pic.twitter.com/uGMORAQ3o6

— ibrahim IK (@StaKhazeKhawand) May 29, 2018

What some people will do for a bit of cheese.

Chris Anderson, 30, won himself a record 22nd double Gloucester wheel of cheese on Monday at the annual cheese races at Cooper’s Hill, near Brockworth, Gloucestershire, a tradition dating back several hundred years that must be seen to be believed. It involves dozens of people hurling themselves down a 200m hill that might best be described to Canadians as a double-black-diamond, but with mud instead of snow. The cheese is sent down the hill first, followed by the racers, and the whole thing is watched by thousands of spectators. The cheese is said to reach speeds of 100 kph as it gathers momentum.

RELATED: The Cooper’s Hill Cheese Roll is as crazy as it sounds

The official race was cancelled in 2010 amid safety concerns, but it continues unofficially every year nonetheless. The previous record-holder won 20 cheeses.

There are actually three events, plus a women-only race. The cheese itself is relatively small, weighing less than 10 pounds, but it would retail for about $75. You don’t have to actually catch it to win it. You just have to get to the bottom of the hill first.

Some wear superhero costumes. One man from Australia appears to have participated wearing nothing but Speedo-style trunks. 

Not surprisingly, Anderson admits to having suffered numerous injuries in the name of cheese domination over the years, including bruised kidneys, a concussion and a broken ankle. It was he who set the tone for the competition at his first race, when he fell while running and found that purposeful falling was actually a more reliable way to win than running.

Anderson, a soldier with 1 Rifles, a light infantry battalion based in Chepstow, Gloucestershire, will reportedly auction the cheeses to raise money for medical research. Last year he claimed that this year would be his final year to chase the cheese, but this year he didn’t mention retiring. Watch this space next year to find out if he passes the crown, or competes yet again.