In 2000, the event was again held as planned, commencing at mid-day.
RACE RESULTS 2000 EVENTS

Monday, 29 May, 2000.

Eleven people have been treated for minor injuries following an annual cheese rolling competition.

About 50 daredevils took part in four races during which an 8lb Double Gloucester cheese was rolled down a 300-yard slope, with a one-in-two gradient, on Cooper's Hill.

Between 15 and 20 men took part in each male race and seven women ran in the female race

There was a very excited atmosphere as mid-day approached and the crowd began to chant 'Roll the cheese!'

As usual, competitors ran, tumbled, rolled and slid down after the cheeses in the 4 down-hill races.

Recent rain had softened the ground but the going was still very fast!

DOWNHILL RACES

Race 1		Steven Brain	Steve Brain, 32, from Gloucester, had his title as the top cheese roller snatched from him by fellow competitor Craig Brown, 26, also from Gloucester.
Race 2		Steven Brain	Rugby player Steve was on his way to winning a hat-trick of races as he did last year, but was beaten this year on the third by Craig Brown
Race 3 (Ladies Race)		Kirby Shepherd	The women's winner was 16-year-old Kirby Shepherd from Brockworth. She injured her right leg as she tumbled down the slope unable to keep her balance. She said: "I don't even like cheese. My friends made me do it as a dare. "It was scary. I ran and then buckled. I am not coming back next year although I feel quite proud about winning."
Race 4		Craig Brown	Pub landlord Craig Brown, winner in the fourth race, prevented Steve Brain from getting the hat trick as he did last year

GUEST ROLLERS
Our thanks to the guests invited to roll cheeses for the down-hill races who were:

'Young Farmers' and rugby players were among the experts acting as 'catchers' for the runners who were unable to stop!

There were casualties of course, but every competitor has the opportunity to assess the danger and is responsible for his / her own actions.

We are very grateful to both S.A.R.A.I.D. (Search and Rescue Aid in Disaster) and St. John Ambulance for helping the injured.

We also have to thank 'Regent Security' who provide the marshals.

Eleven injured

St.John's Ambulance were kept busy treating the injured.

Following the race 11 people were treated for minor injuries, including sprains, tissue damage and a dislocated shoulder. One person was taken to hospital.

But St John's Ambulance spokesman Jason Ludd said: "In the past we have treated up to 30 and taken four or five to hospital so this was quite a good year."

SARAID, were of course hard at work, their contribution is invaluable!
 
SARAID are ever ready to fly out at very short notice, to any human disaster anywhere in the world. They are a totally voluntary, non governmental organisation, supported by donations. Their work, as is the case with the other emergency aid organisations, is essential during the first few hours after a disaster, when their skills at locating injured and trapped survivors of the initial disaster will save countless lives. It is often the case in disasters, that the local infrastructure and systems break down and local government and officials in the immediate vicinity are overwhelmed. Outside assistance therefore is vital particularly in the first few hours

Please visit the SARAID web site for more information on the organisation and its works, here you can also make a donation to assist their efforts

SARAID - Search And Rescue Assistance In Disasters

           (Photos © J.J.)

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