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    Gold Hill Cheese Race Returns – A Celebration of Community, Fun, and Determination

    By We Are Chain• May 18, 2025

    On Saturday 4th May, the iconic Gold Hill Cheese Race made its triumphant return to Shaftesbury, much to the delight of crowds who gathered to cheer on the brave competitors tackling the town’s famously steep cobbled hill.

    When it was announced earlier this year that the race might be cancelled, Jim, MD of We Are Chain, stepped up to take the lead in organising the event. With just two months to rally support and secure sponsorship, we joined forces with the Shaftesbury & District Chamber of Commerce and a fantastic team of volunteers to ensure this much-loved tradition didn’t disappear.

    Thanks to incredible local backing, the race went ahead as part of the new Shaftesbury Feastival – a spring celebration of food, drink and community. Running from 10am to 3pm, the event attracted large crowds and a wide range of competitors, young and old. The finals were fiercely contested, with the men’s race even producing a record-breaking time of just 15 seconds!

    We were proud not only to help organise the event, but to take part too – Jim even entered the Vets Race, though he was famously beaten by a dinosaur!

    At We Are Chain, being part of our local community matters. Where we can, we like to roll up our sleeves and get involved. It’s also why we fund and manage the Visit Shaftesbury website – helping promote events and support local businesses after the closure of the TIC. The site features a business directory with over 100 local companies, including restaurants, hotels and independent shops, and we're always encouraging event organisers to upload their listings to help drive footfall and awareness.

    Organising the Cheese Race for the first time was a learning curve – but a hugely rewarding one. We’re already planning to be back next year, even more prepared and just as passionate.

    If you missed the event or want to relive the highlights, check out this great write-up from This is Alfred:
    👉 New Springtime Event – Shaftesbury Feastival Will Save Gold Hill Cheese Run

    We’re proud to be part of a town that pulls together, supports each other, and knows how to have a laugh – even if it means carrying a giant cheese up a very steep hill.