Dozens of Snails Race for Gold at World Championships

They say slow and steady wins the race, but what if all the participants are slow and steady?

The competition was fierce at the World Snail Racing Championships in Norfolk, England, on Saturday, a race that takes place annually and this year featured more than 160 snails. 

Humans can bring their own snails or choose one from the competition organizers that day. Multiple heats are hosted throughout the day, with the final race including each heat's winners. 

So who took it all home? Sammy the snail, raced by English teacher Maria Welby. 

"I mean I always believed he had it in him, from the moment I met him earlier today," Welby told Reuters. "It's not what I expected to do with my Saturday but you know, really perhaps it's a new career for me in snail racing, snail championships."

Other snail racers felt the agony of defeat. 

"I think some snails are faster than others," Jess Moore said. "... Maybe I should have chosen larger ones which would have more stamina and power and you know more muscle, so I might do that next year."

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