Snail race shelved as cold makes competitors too sluggish

A SNAIL racing competition has been postponed because the snails are too “sluggish” to take part, organisers say.

The charity event was due to take place today until organisers noticed their lethargic champs were not ready and raring to go.

The Dartmoor Union pub in Holbeton, Plymouth, was due to collect the competitors but when they rang the pet shop they were told the cold weather had led to them becoming too “sluggish” to go racing.

On its Facebook page, the pub said: “Unfortunately, due to our snails being extra sleepy we have had to cancel the snail racing championships this Saturday!

‘I’m a little disappointed but there’s not a lot we can do. We promised we’ll hold the event when they wake up’

We apologise and do hope to see you over the weekend regardless!”

On posters advertising the event, it states: “The cold snap has led to a medical problem with our racing snails, it’s called hibernation. A new date will follow soon. Sorry.”

The event had been planned for several months at the pub, with money going toward Devon Air Ambulance.

Donna Aziz, the pub manager, told the BBC: “We’ve promised everyone that we’ll hold the event when they wake up. Perhaps we should have known because you don’t see a lot of snails around.

“I’m a little bit disappointed but there’s not a lot we can do.”

During the winter, garden snails hibernate, often in large groups, under stones and in crevices of trees. They cover their bodies with a thin layer of mucus, which prevents them from drying out. Mike Trembath, of the Ark Pet Shop, Plymouth, added: “They’ve got a bit sluggish in the cold weather.

“It happens with pretty much all cold-blooded creatures but they will wake up when it gets warmer.”

The snail races last about four minutes, with the title for the fastest snail presently standing at two minutes over the 13in track.

Every year, World Snail Racing Championships are held at Congham, in Norfolk, but in the summer when competitors are more lively.