Updated: May 28, 2013, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Gloucestershire cheese rolling contest
BROCKWORTH, ENGLAND - MAY 27: A woman falls down the steep gradient of Cooper's Hill during the annual Bank Holiday tradition of cheese-rolling on May 27, 2013 in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, England. Although no longer a officially organised event since 2009, thousands of spectators still gathered to watch contestants from around the world tumbling down the 200m slope, which has a 1:1 gradient in parts, in a series of races that are said to date back hundreds of years, with the winner of each receiving a cheese. Injuries such as broken arms and legs are commonplace. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** 169553493.jpg
A man tumbles down the steep gradient of Cooper's Hill during the chase. Matt Cardy / Getty Images
Contestants in the men's race chase the Double Gloucester Cheese down. Matt Cardy / Getty Images
Although no longer a officially organised event since 2009, thousands of spectators still gathered to watch contestants from around the world tumbling down the 200m slope. Matt Cardy / Getty Images
Lucy Townsend celebrates winning the women's race. Matt Cardy / Getty Images
A competitor goes flying down Coopers Hill. With a disputed history dating back to at least the 1800s, the annual Cooper's Hill Cheese Rolling involves hordes of fearless competitors chasing an eight pound Double Gloucester cheese down a steep hill. Carl ???
The event attracts competitors from all around the world. Carl Court / AFP
Kenny Rackers from the US celebrates winning the first race down Coopers Hill. Carl Court / AFP
The slope has a gradient in places of 1-in-2 and in others 1-in-1, its surface is very rough and uneven and it is almost impossible to remain on foot for the descent. The winner of the race down the hill wins the cheese. Carl Court / AFP
Thousands of spectators watch the annual event. Carl Court / AFP