Following a four-year break, the World Snail Racing Championships returned on July 8, 2023.

Footage shows contestants slug it out as a tabletop covered in a damp cloth is marked with two circles. The snails start inside the red one and the first shelled gastropod to make to the outer circle wins.

With the customary call of "ready, steady, slow," the races kick off in a display of snail athleticism like no other. Participants can select snails from the stable provided by the organisers or bring their own snails to race.

A snail named Archie holds the record for completing the 13-inch stretch in just two minutes and 22 seconds back in 1995.

This year, however, the pace was notably sluggish. The hot and humid conditions created an environment where snails truly took their time. Seven heats were held, with the fastest snail from each heat earning a coveted spot in the grand final.

Evie emerged victorious making her 4-year-old trainer, Lettie Spragg, the youngest trainer in the game's history.

Spragg and Evie were awarded with a silver tankard filled to the brim with lettuce leaves.

The long-awaited return of the World Snail Racing Championships arrived after a 4 year break! Contestants slug it out on a specially prepared tabletop covered with a damp cloth drenched in local pure water from a well. Marked with two circles, the cloth sets the stage for an epic showdown. In each heat, Snails take their positions along the inner rim, poised to make their slow but determined journey toward the outer circle, where victory awaits.
With the customary call of "ready, steady, slow," the races kick off in a display of snail athleticism like no other. Participants can select snails from the ‘stable’ provided by the organisers or bring their own snail to race. The anticipation builds as spectators eagerly await the snail that will emerge triumphant.

Now, let's talk records. Cast your mind back to 1995 when a snail named "Archie" achieved the impossible. In a dazzling display of speed, he completed the 13-inch (33 centimeters) course in an astonishing two minutes and 20 seconds, etching his name into the annals of snail racing history. It's a record that stands tall to this day, inspiring snails and humans alike.

This year, however, the pace was notably sluggish. The hot and humid conditions, created an environment where snails truly took their time. Seven heats were held, with the fastest snail from each heat earning a coveted spot in the grand final.


In the final of this notable event, it was none other than a snail called Evie, trained by the remarkable four-year-old Lettie Spragg, who emerged as the clear winner. Lettie, the youngest trainer in the history of the games, showcased her perseverance and game plan since she entered her snail in heat 1 of the event, so it had the longest recovery time before the final.

And what does the winner receive? None other than a silver tankard filled to the brim with the most delectable lettuce leaves, A treat fit for a champion gastropod.

Snail racing, a spectacle of slow but captivating athleticism, has once again captured our hearts. As we bid farewell to this year's event, we can't help but wonder what marvels the future holds for the world of gastropods and the dedicated individuals who train and celebrate them, so those inspired, get training as the event will return next year.