Competitors wolfed down stalks of stinging nettles while battling itching lips and swelling tongues at the annual World Nettle Eating Championship held in Marshwood, UK, on Saturday. /VCG Photo

The bizarre contest lasted an hour, during which participants were served two-foot-long nettle stalks and had to pluck and eat as many leaves as possible. /VCG Photo

It's difficult because nettle leaves inject chemicals into the skin that can cause stinging, itching and redness. /VCG Photo

The winner was Tony Jeyes, who finished 29 nettle stalks in an hour. /VCG Photo

The annual competition attracts dozens of brave challengers, with some even traveling from places as afar as Australia and Canada. /VCG Photo