Snail racing is a form of humorous entertainment that involves the racing of two or more air-breathing land snails. Usually the common garden snail species Cornu aspersum is used. This species is native to Europe, but has been accidentally introduced to many countries all over the world.
There are numerous snail racing events that take place in different places around the world, though the majority take place in the United Kingdom.
Snail races usually take place on a circular track with the snails starting in the middle and racing to the perimeter. The track usually takes the form of a damp cloth atop a table.[1] The radius is traditionally set at 13 or 14 inches. Racing numbers are painted on the shells or small stickers or tags are placed on them to distinguish each competitor.
- ^ 11 January 2006 "World Snail Racing Championships: Press release 2". Accessed 5 August 2007.