The Story Bridge Hotel in Brisbane, Australia, hosts the annual World Championship of Cockroach Racing on Australia Day, January 26. The event, which began in 1982, is a popular tourist attraction and a source of national pride for Australians.
Did you know that there’s a quirky sport involving cockroaches that’s been buzzing around since 1982? It’s called cockroach racing, and it’s more popular than ever!
Origin Story
This wild race started Down Under, in Brisbane, Australia, when two enthusiastic locals claimed their cockroaches were the speediest in town. To settle the debate, they organized a race in a parking lot. And just like that, a new tradition was born.
Australia Day Extravaganza
Every 26th of January, known as Australia Day, folks gather at the Story Bridge Hotel for the “Australia Day Cockroach Races.” It’s a day filled with excitement, laughter, and of course, some seriously speedy roaches!
How It Works
Participants either bring their own roaches or snag one at the venue. The goal? Simple. Release the roaches in a 20-foot ring and watch them go! The first roach to reach the edge of the ring takes home the glory.
Hall of Fame
Over the years, legendary roaches have emerged, each with its own quirky name. From “Soft Cocky” to “Priscila-Queen of the Drains,” these little critters have left their mark in cockroach history.
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Fast and Furious
Cockroaches are surprisingly speedy, coming in second only to tiger beetles. They can dash at a mind-boggling 200 miles per hour, making a 330-foot sprint look like child’s play.
Cockroach Races in the USA
Across the pond, in the United States, cockroach racing has found its own unique twists. At Loyola University Maryland, they’ve turned it into a full-fledged event called “Madagascar Madness: The Running of the Roaches.” Students train Madagascar Cockroaches for sprints and even marathons!
Presidential Predictions
Believe it or not, cockroach racing has made its way into politics! In the U.S., before every Presidential election, the Pest Control Association of New Jersey hosts a race using roaches to predict the Democratic candidate. It’s a quirky tradition that’s been surprisingly accurate!
Lights, Camera, Roaches!
Cockroach racing even made it to the silver screen! In the 1995 film “Race the Sun,” a solar-powered race car was inspired by the swift movements of a cockroach. This led to the creation of robo-roaches!
CSI: Bug Edition
In a memorable episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Gil Grissom, a dedicated entomologist, trades solving murders for a jar of Madagascar roaches. While the murder case takes a backseat, Grissom’s roaches give their all in a race.
So, next time you spot a roach scurrying across the floor, just imagine it in a racing ring, zooming towards victory! Cockroach racing is a quirky, fun-filled sport that’s captured the hearts of bug enthusiasts worldwide. Who knew these tiny creatures could be such speedy superstars?