When: 18th August 2012
Where: The cricket field, Congham, Norfolk
£: Money raised goes towards the local church
What is it?
For more than 25 years the World Snail Racing Championships have been held at Congham, near King’s Lynn, in Norfolk, attracting the young and old alike.
For those wishing to take part all you need to do is collect snails from a garden (no giant foreign snails allowed). Often owners like to give their snails names like Speedy or Schumacher! On entering the race a sticker with a number must be put on so it can be identified, since one garden snail looks very much like another! The snails race from the centre of a circle to the outside, the snails are put in the middle and pointed in the right direction. A Snail Trainer then starts the race with a shout of “Ready, steady, SLOW!” And off dash the snails, well, sort of! The trainer keeps the course well-watered as snails like damp conditions.
The World record currently stands at 2 minutes, set in 1995 by a snail called Archie. The record can only be challenged at the World Championships at Congham. Heats are held throughout the afternoon with a grand final at the end. The winner will receive a silver tankard stuffed with lettuce leaves.
The World Snail Racing Championships are part of Congham Fete, which helps to raise money for the 13th century St Andrew’s Church.
More info: www.snailracing.net