Shrove Tuesday 13 February 2024 marks the next historic Olney Pancake Race as the women of the town prepare for the 415-yard course, from the Market Place, down the High Street, to the race finish outside St Peter and St Paul’s Church.
The runners, dressed in a skirt and head scarf and clutching their frying pan and pancake, will be following a great tradition; the race is reputed to have taken place since 1445 and has certainly run every year since 1948, except for 2021.
There is another cause for celebration – it’s 75 years since the race became an international event when the town of Liberal in Kansas, USA issued a challenge to Olney. In a spirit of international goodwill and friendship, the two towns now compete annually and prizes are exchanged. Both races are run on a timed basis and the winner is declared after times are compared through a transatlantic web link between Liberal and Olney.
Ahead of the race itself, there are lots of activities taking place in the Market Place, starting with a special pancake breakfast, prepared by local chef, Ben Francis from The Cherry Tree Pub and Restaurant. With stalls, even more pancakes, music, a fabulous grand raffle, plus races for local nurseries and school children, there will be something for everyone.
All the runners join visitors in a Shriving Service which is held in the church immediately after the race.
If you‘d like more details, go to olneypancakerace.org, like us on Facebook @olneypancakerace, or on Instagram @theolneypancakerace
