Snail racing is not something people hear about every day, but one tiny racer stole the show at this year’s World Snail Racing Championships. A snail named Snailor Swift, inspired by pop star Taylor Swift, won the famous competition held at Grimston Cricket Club in west Norfolk on Saturday. The event brought together 271 snails from different places, all competing for the world title in front of about 600 spectators. After making its way through 18 heats, Snailor Swift crossed the finish line in three minutes and 13 seconds, becoming the latest world champion in one of Britain’s most unusual traditions.
Snailor Swift: Taylor Swift-inspired snail wins world title
Snailor Swift is the name of the snail owned by Sam Pemberton, who took home the winner’s prize after the tiny racer covered 13.5 inches (34cm) in three minutes and 13 seconds.The World Snail Racing Championships have been held since the 1960s at Grimston Cricket Club in west Norfolk. This year’s event featured 271 snails, with 15 competitors in each of the 18 heats before the finalists battled for the title.Snailor Swift beat several creatively named rivals, including Christopher Slowlan and Snailifer Lopez, to become the new champion. The prize was not a cash reward. Instead, Sam Pemberton received a tankard filled with bright green lettuce after the victory.
Ian Haynes, Sam Pemberton and snail owners keep quirky tradition alive
According to PA Media and the BBC, the event has become a much-loved local tradition that attracts visitors from around the world. “Snail Master” Ian Haynes said he was happy to see people continuing the unusual competition. “It was great to see people ‘keeping a quirky, bonkers tradition alive’,” he said.Haynes added that around 600 people attended this year’s championships, with visitors coming from France, Germany, Poland, the United States and Brazil. He also said it was the biggest turnout since the event returned in 2023 after stopping during the Covid pandemic.“It’s just bonkers every year,” he said. He explained that some owners prepare their snails in different ways before race day. “Nothing sensible has come from it whatsoever, but the snail trainers take it very seriously,” he said.“They use lots of different techniques, from giving them cucumber to stay hydrated to also keeping them in the dark, so they are ready to go off and find some darkness. “A few people have tried to entice the snails with cucumber, but we have to reprimand them for doing that. “It’s just all very good natured and good fun.”Among the competitors were Floor and Luna, who entered Michael Snailin, Christopher Slowlan and Snailifer Lopez after preparing them through what they called “veggie-loading.” Another racer, French champion Tom Peytoureau, saw his snail Coquiette win its heat before falling short later in the competition. He joked, “It’s because you guys drive on the left.”Money raised from the championships supports the local community and St Andrew’s Church, helping the long-running event continue for future generations.