In light of the incredible colour run that took place in PE last Sunday, I Had a look at some very interesting sporting evemts from around the globe:
Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake
Cheese rolling is a 200 year old tradition. . Held annually, the concept of the event is pretty simple: Participants gather atop the 200-yard slope, where the race is commenced by a Double Gloucester wheel of cheese, fired downhill. The racers then chase down the cheddar, and almost instantly, lose their footing and start tumbling. While the goal is to catch the cheese, it is almost impossible due to its head start and high rate of speed
Man vs. Horse Marathon
Held annually in Llanwrtyd Wells, dozens of competitors—both homosapien and equestrian—negotiate a course of rough terrain. While cyclists are also allowed to participate, the only result that matters in this race (which is technically too short to be a marathon) is whether hoof or foot crosses the finish line first. And in its 32 years of existence, only twice has a human competitor come out victorious (in 2004 and 2007).
Chessboxing World Championship
This game) includes alternating rounds of boxing and chess, in which a match could end either via “knockout” or “checkmate.” With each new blow to the head, the participant must stay mentally focused enough to protect his queen, while also possessing the physical killer instinct necessary to deliver a titanic right hook. If the chess game does not conclude by the final round, and if the boxing rounds are scored equally, the player with black chess pieces is automatically declared winner.
Extreme Ironing World Championships
Some call it an extreme sport, while others simply view it as performance art. However you want to classify it, the fact remains that Extreme Ironing (EI) exists. Whether it be on a mountain top, on a racetrack, or underwater, groups of competitors are gathering in the most random of locations, in a unified effort to raise their adrenaline while de-wrinkling clothes. It’s unclear if the sport is actually scored somehow, or if people just gather to set new EI records (i.e., 86 divers simultaneously ironing underwater).
Wife carrying championships
originated in Finland, male competitors complete an obstacle course with their female partners hunched over their backs. While several variations are allowed (including piggyback and fireman’s carry) the champion’s method of choice is Estonian-style, in which the woman hangs upside-down, legs around her spouse’s shoulders, arms around the waist.
I think that should be the next big event in the Eastern Cape
