Ready Steady Slow - the World Snail Racing Championships are back !

The annual World Snail Racing Championships take place this Saturday, 19th July at Grimston Cricket Club, Congham (PE32 1AG). Congham is to snail racing what horse racing is to Newmarket.

The event has been taking place since the 1960’s when founder, Tom Elwes, witnessed a snail racing event in France. In 1995, a snail named Archie, trained by Carl Bramham, recorded the quickest time of two minutes, although four minutes tends to be the norm for snails to complete the course. Archie was sent to stud at a nearby cabbage patch. Fortunately the competitors are not eaten as is often the case in France.

It is all part of the Mark Redhead Foundation and the Summer Big Bash. As well as snail racing there is a craft fair, family fun day with various entertainments, a charity cricket match and live music in the evening, with food and refreshments available throughout the day.

Enthusiastic crowds cheer on the snails

Registration for the snail racing starts from 2pm. There will be a pool of snails available to choose from, although some bring their own or locate them in nearby spots popular with snails.

Alyssa and her snail at the 2024 championships

Various strategies are adopted by snail owners including enticing their racer with lettuce, whilst the Snail Master - or referee - keeps the course well watered as snails like damp conditions. They are all positioned in an inner circle and it is the first to make it to an outer circle that wins. There are usually 8 qualifiers with the winner of each heat proceeding to the Grand Final. The Snail Master’s decision is final in the case of photo finishes. Town & Around’s entry, Slimey, is expected to be one of the front runners.

Organiser, Ian Haynes, is looking forward to this year's event, saying, "patience is the name of the game".

All proceeds from the Snail Race go to St. Andrew’s Church in Congham. It is unknown at this stage if last year's winner, Jeff, will be there to defend his title.

Last year's winner Jeff with trainer Simon Lilley at the prizegiving