The origins of the races are shrouded in mystery, yet they have taken place every year since 1445.
However, the roots can be traced back to Olney. One story, which suggests a theory for how they may have emanated, details a frantic housewife, who, upon hearing the shriving bell, sprinted to church to arrive on time, all the while clenching onto her frying pan with a pancake.
The age-old tradition has survived over the centuries, with the race taking place on Shrove Tuesday annually with women donning the attire of a housewife, running to finish line and clutching a frying pan and pancake at the same time. Since 1950, the Olney Pancake race has been an international event, with the town of Liberal in Kansas, USA also competing, and prizes are also exchanged. Despite Olney being the origin of the competition, other areas across Surrey have also held races annually on Tuesday 1 March, and the races have not been restricted to women. Events last year did not go ahead as the events fell during a national lockdown. This year, events in Guildford, Staines, Woking, Godalming and Egham have all been cancelled. Possible reasons include a mixture of COVID-19 fears, timing, logistics and (in Woking’s case) insufficient interest in participation.
However, in Epsom, Go Epsom (the business improvement district for Epsom and organisers for the event in Epsom) has announced that Epsom’s Pancake Race will still take place, tweeting:
It's Back.......The Go Epsom Pancake Race on Tuesday 1st March from 12:30pm. A just for fun event for local BID area businesses and organisations to try and win The Golden Frying Pan. If you like to entry email info@epsombid.co.uk ASAP....... — Go Epsom (@Go_Epsom) February 21, 2022
Karen Pengelly, BID manager at Go Epsom, said: “We have been taken aback by the enthusiasm from our local businesses with numerous teams having signed up. It's a small step towards normality and a bit of light-hearted fun.” This year will be the 577th anniversary of the first pancake race – although there was a brief lapse of pancake races during the Second World War.
While entries are now closed, you can still spectate!
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