Snail racing
Snail racing is a form of humorous entertainment that involves the racing of two or more air-breathing land snails. Usually the garden snail is used. This species is native to Europe, but has been accidentally introduced to many countries all over the world.
There are numerous snail racing events in different places around the world, though the majority take place in the United Kingdom. Snail races usually take place on a circular track with the snails starting in the middle and racing to the perimeter. The track usually takes the form of a damp cloth on top of a table. The radius is traditionally set at 13 or 14 inches. Racing numbers are painted on the shells or small stickers or tags are placed on them to distinguish each competitor.
Competitions
World Snail Racing Championships
The annual "World Snail Racing Championships" started in Congham, Norfolk, United Kingdom in the 1960s after founder Tom Elwes witnessed a snail racing event in France. They are usually held in July. The 1995 race saw the setting of the benchmark time of 2 minutes over the 13-inch course by a snail named Archie.The 2007 event had to be cancelled when the course was waterlogged by a prolonged period of heavy rain, only days after the death of Elwes. The 2008 World Championships were won by Heikki Kovalainen, a snail named after the Formula One racing driver, in a time of 3 minutes and 2 seconds.
| Champion | Wins | Years |
| 2 | 2012, 2013 | |
| 2 | 1998, 2000 |