The obviously prestigious event takes place annually in Norfolk and sees more than 200 of the world's speediest snails compete in the races which each start with a ref saying: "Ready, steady, SLOW!"
The racers are started at the centre of a circular table and sprint to the circular finish line 13 inches away. After a series of round the winner scoops a silver tankard filled with lettuce.
This year the honour went to Sidney the snail (and 62-year-old owner Claire Lawrence) took the title in a leisurely 3m 41s… that's longer than the 1500m race at the Olympics.
The race begins. Photo: © Tony Scase News Service Ltd
Event organiser, Hilary Scase, said: "Snails like damp conditions and as Congham is surrounded by ponds and is very low lying it is just right for snails. Congham is to snail racing what Newmarket is to horse racing.”
Crowds watched the final Sidney the snail celebrates with lettuce. Photo: © Tony Scase News Service Ltd
Sidney the snail with owner/trainer Claire Lawrence. Photo: © Tony Scase News Service Ltd
Source: www.snailracing.net
