And they’re off! Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

Competitors throw themselves down a hill with a 45 degree descent. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

The annual event consists of four different races, including one for women. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

This patriotic Brit doesn’t look bothered. Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

Tourists flock to the town kitted out with cheese merch to watch the event. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

This is what regret looks like. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

The winner of the women’s race, Abby Lampe, from the USA is pictured mid hill roll. Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

The hills has an average gradient of 45 degrees and is 180 metres long. Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

Shoes are optional. Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

Once you start down that hill, you clearly can’t stop. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

The event in Gloucester, UK, was thought to have started around 1826. That small white blob is the cheese wheel being thrown at the start of the women’s race. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

No shirt, no problems. Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

So many thoughts spring to mind about why this is a bad idea. Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

The leaves on the hill could be a blessing in disguise. Picture:: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

Medical staff are on hand to deal with any potential injuries. Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

Now, how to stop? Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

This lucky guy looks surprisingly clean. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

Female competitors fling themselves down the steep hill in pursuit of the cheese wheel. Picture: Jules Annan / BACKGRID

Aussie man Dylan Twiss celebrates after winning race two in the annual Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling competition. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

Straight to the pool room! Picture: Henry Nichols/AFP