Hilary Scase
The annual world snail racing championships began in Congham, Norfolk during the 1960s when founder Tom Elwes saw a snails racing event in France. The race in 1995 established a record time of 2 minutes set by a snail named Archie. All proceeds from the snail race go to St Andrews Church in Congham.
The Snail Master starts the snails racing with a shout: "Ready, steady, SLOW!" And off dash the snails! The Snail Master keeps the course well-watered because snails prefer damp conditions. The snail race is held on a table covered with a white cloth, where a circle is machined in the middle, and a similar circle is machined 13 inches awa
The Snail Master starts the snails racing with a shout: "Ready, steady, SLOW!" And off dash the snails! The Snail Master keeps the course well-watered because snails prefer damp conditions. The snail race is held on a table covered with a white cloth, where a circle is machined in the middle, and a similar circle is machined 13 inches away. Owners can dress up for the occasion. The world record for a snails race stands at 2 minutes over the 13 inches, set in 1995 by a famous snail named Archie. This record can only be challenged at the World Snail Racing Championships in Congham. Notably, giant foreign snails are not allowed in these races. Often, owners like to give their snails names like Speedy or Zoomer!
Shell and Bilbo Sluggins proudly receiving the World Championship Trophy after an impressive performance in the snails racing event. Bilbo Sluggins emerged victorious in the snail race with a remarkable time of 2 minutes and 11 seconds. Here are the times of previous champions in the world snail racing championships: 2024 - Jeff with 4 mi
Shell and Bilbo Sluggins proudly receiving the World Championship Trophy after an impressive performance in the snails racing event. Bilbo Sluggins emerged victorious in the snail race with a remarkable time of 2 minutes and 11 seconds. Here are the times of previous champions in the world snail racing championships: 2024 - Jeff with 4 mins 5 secs, 2023 - Lettie at 7 mins 24 secs, 2019 - Sammy with 2 mins 38 secs, 2018 - Hosta at 3 mins 10 secs, 2017 - Larry with 2 mins 47 secs, 2016 - Herbie 2 at 3 mins 25 secs, 2015 - George with 2 mins 45 secs, 2014 - Wells at 3 mins 19 secs, 2013 - Racer II with 2 mins 47 secs, 2012 - Racer at 3 mins 20 secs, 2011 - Zoomer at 3 mins 23 secs, 2010 - Sidney with 3 mins 41 secs, 2009 - Terri at 2 mins 49 secs, and 2008 - Heikki with 3 mins 2 secs.
Lettie and Evie proudly accepted the world championship trophy from snail master Nicholas Dickinson after an exciting competition. Evie triumphed in the snail race with an impressive time of 7 minutes and 24 seconds. Here are the previous champions of the world snail racing championships: 2019 Sammy 2 mins 38 secs, 2018 Hosta 3 mins 10 se
Lettie and Evie proudly accepted the world championship trophy from snail master Nicholas Dickinson after an exciting competition. Evie triumphed in the snail race with an impressive time of 7 minutes and 24 seconds. Here are the previous champions of the world snail racing championships: 2019 Sammy 2 mins 38 secs, 2018 Hosta 3 mins 10 secs, 2017 Larry 2 mins 47 secs, 2016 Herbie 2 3 mins 25 secs, 2015 George 2 mins 45 secs, 2014 Wells 3 mins 19 secs, 2013 Racer II 2 mins 47 secs, 2012 Racer 3 mins 20 secs, 2011 Zoomer 3 mins 23 secs, 2010 Sidney 3 mins 41 secs, 2009 Terri 2 mins 49 secs, and 2008 Heikki 3 mins 2 secs.
Check out the thrilling world of snails racing at the world snail racing championships, where the excitement of each snail race captivates audiences. Experience the unique charm of these tiny competitors as they inch their way to victory!
The World Snail Racing Championships, which began in Congham in the 1960s, has grown into a globally recognized event held each year. This quirky snail race takes place at Grimston Cricket Club near Congham Hall on Saturday, July 8th. Si spoke with race organiser Nicholas Dickson about what to expect from this fun family day out filled with exciting snails racing.