World Snail Racing Championships

Saturday 19th July 2025
Afternoon

More than 200 snails slug it out every year in the World Snail Racing Championships held at Congham, in Norfolk. Why not come along as a spectator or even as a trainer and enter your own snail!

World Snail Racing Championships, Congham, Norfolk | More than 200 snails slug it out every year in the World Snail Racing Championships held at Congham, in Norfolk. Why not come along as a spectator or even as a trainer and enter your own snail! | world, snail, racing, championships, congham, norfolk, fete, fundraising

Congham is ideal racing and breeding ground for snails and has been host to the World Championships for more than 25 years. Said organiser, Hilary Scase: "Snails like damp conditions and as Congham is surrounded by ponds and is very low lying it is just right for snails. Congham is to snail racing what Newmarket is to horse racing."

Farmer, Neil Riseborough, is Snail Trainer to the World Championships. He keeps order, tests for drugs, watches out for cheating and starts the races. Neil shouts: "Ready, steady, SLOW!,, and off dash the snails He keeps the course well-watered to encourage good speeds. Races are held on top of a table with a damp cloth spread out. Heats are held throughout the afternoon with a grand final at the end. The winner gets a silver tankard stuffed with lettuce leaves.

The World Snail Racing Championships are part of Congham, Fete which is help to raise money for the 13th century St Andrew's Church.

Price: FREE to attend, but naturally they'd like you to bring lots of cash to support the fundraising

Location: Congham, Norfolk