Congham World Snail Racing Championship

Where: Congham, Norfolk at the Grimston Cricket Field on Lynn Road
When: A Saturday in July
Time: From 2pm - 4pm

 

Snail Racing

Snails are prevalent in the marshy land of Norfolk, making it a natural setting for a mollusc racing event. The competition had been running (or more accurately slowly sliding) more than quarter of a century pre-covid and it’s held on a specially marked moist tablecloth; the course is only thirteen inches but still takes a few minutes as the competitors move literally at a snails pace. The competitors are lined up inside a circle, facing outwards towards the finishing line and the first to inch over the outer circle wins its heat. You can expect a couple of hundred entrants with heats of fifteen-at-a-time throughout the afternoon, ending with a grand final for the winners of each heat- the Champ receives a  tankard stuffed with lettuce. As well as the Championship there may be traditional accompaniments to a typical village fete like cake stalls, tombola and morris dancing.

Helpful Hints

In 2025 it should be on 19th July (it’s often on the 3rd Saturday in the month .

It’s part of the village fete and the snail racing raises money for the local church. Entry fees are very reasonable at £1 and snails are provided on the day for those who wish to hire them – some competitors raised their own to bring on the day.

Parking is available free on site – just follow Lynn Road until you see Stewards who will direct you in.

Click here for the event website : https://snailracing.world

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