Pancake race Andrea Rawlings wins again

The Buckinghamshire town of Olney is famous for its annual pancake race, which dates back to 1445.

This year's event was again won by Andrea Rawlings, and in what was her third consecutive win, she achieved her personal best, finishing the 415 metre course in 63 seconds, beating last year's time by 5 seconds.


Third time race winner Andrea Rawlings
The Olney ritual dates back to the middle of the 15th century - tradition says the first race started in 1445. One theory is that a harassed wife, hearing the shriving bell, dashed off to the church still clutching her frying pan!.

Alternatively the pancake was a bribe to the Ringer, or Sexton, that he might ring the Church bell sooner, which signalled the beginning of the day's festivities.

The race is known to have continued through the centuries, and although it may have been not been every year, the tradition was passed on to ensure it never forgot.

It wasn't until after the end of the World War II that the custom was revived, when the local vicar found photos taken in the 1920's. The first modern race was run in 1948 - with 13 women taking part and now traffic is stopped in the town as the race begins.


And of course, there were pancakes on sale too!
Two years later the international link was made, after the town of Liberal in Kansas, USA, saw photographs of the Olney event. In the spirit of friendship the two teams now compete each year and prizes are given for the person who runs the distance fastest.

Entrants to the race must be women, over the age of 18, who have either lived in the town for the previous three months or have a permanent residence in Olney.

Dressed in the traditional costume of a housewife, including a skirt, apron and head covering, the racers speed off for a 415m course - with constant pancake tossing! The winner, on crossing the line, must toss her pancake and is then greeted by the Verger with the traditional kiss of peace.

See our photo gallery of the race

Why bumpeth boring pancake article?

because its pancake day and I cant wait to get home and eat lots and lots with lemon and sugar