UK News
The race is on for the "World's Fastest Snail"
Jul 15, 2009, 11:44 GMT
London - On your marks... Get set ... Slither! Competitors are in training for the Snail World Cup this weekend, where up to 200 of the slimy moluscs will race each other for the title of the 'World's Fastest Snail.'
The annual British competition will be held in East Congham on July 18.
The competitors are hoping to beat the 1995 record of 'Archie', who covered the 33-centimetre distance in just under two minutes.
If that doesn't sound fast, consider that last year the 'winner', a slug named 'Heikki', completed the course in three minutes, two seconds.
The race takes place on specially-lubricated tables. Competing snails must reach the edge of the table, having been set down in the middle.
After several elimination rounds, the winning slug will be presented with a silver cup - full of lettuce leaves.
And, unlike many competitive sports, no slug has yet tested positive for doping.
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