SIDEBAR

Tetbury Wool Sack Race

0 comments
Jun 18 2007

A gruelling competition run between two pubs, (what a surprise) the Tetbury wool sack race has been given world record status, and involves competitors running in pairs and fours up Gumstool Hill carrying a large sack of wool. Men carry a 60lb sack on their backs and women a 35lb sack. The gradient in parts is 1:4 so it’s heavy going for even the fittest competitor.

The race dates back to the 17th century when Tetbury was a noted wool town. It’s thought the race started when local drovers – egged on by drink and wanting to impress the ladies – raced each other uphill with heavy woolsacks. They got me!

Submit a Comment

9 + seven =

Share

About this blog

The vast majority of posts in this blog are about quirky & eccentric competitions & festivals. I started it in 2006 in France with a competition I’ll never forget. Where contestants battle it out to become the World Champion Pig Squeeler, or ‘Cri du Cochon’. I had little knowledge back then of quite how far my pursuit of these kind of events would lead me. I’ve travelled all over Britain (and occasionally further afield) to capture our curiosities and quirks. There’s nothing uniquely eccentric about the British, you’ll find people all over the world up to all sorts of weird and wonderful activities, but we do have a remarkable capacity to embrace the madness. ‘A Brit Different’ is the book that was born from it, my labour of love! So what next? There’s always something interesting going on, so watch this space, only time will tell!

Categories