Brockworth cheese rolling race - in pictures

Competitors take part in the annual cheese rolling event at Cooper's Hill near Brockworth, Gloucestershire Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA

Contestants in the men's race chase a double gloucester cheese down the steep gradient of Cooper's Hill during the annual bank holiday event Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

A competitor tumbles down Cooper's Hill in pursuit of the fake foam cheese Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

Two men fail to keep their balance as they rush down the slope Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

Injuries are common, as it is almost impossible not to fall during the race Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA

After 15,000 people turned up to watch the 2009 event, it was cancelled and has since been organised by a group of cheese-rolling rebels Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

This year's race was won by an American estate agent, Kenny Rackers, who had flown over especially to race in the contest Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

Rackers celebrates winning the first race down Cooper's Hill while holding his fake foam cheese Photograph: Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images

16-year-old Lucy Townsend from Brockworth leads the field in the ladies' race Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA

A woman falls down the steep gradient during the race Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Lucy Townsend celebrates her victory in the ladies' race for the second year in a row Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA

Spectators watch the race from a safe distance Photograph: Matt Cardy/Getty Images