THE OLNEY PANCAKE RACE
OUR HEADLINE SPONSORS, TEFLON™ ARE ALSO ONE OF THE MAIN SPONSORS FOR THE OLNEY PANCAKE RACE!
The Olney Pancake Race is a much loved date in the calendar, supported by Teflon™. A historic event that takes place every year, open only to the female residents of Olney who are 18 and over, and who have either been residents in the town for at least three months, or who work in Olney. The event has supposedly been in existence for over 550 years!
The day starts with Lesley Waters cooking a delicious breakfast, followed by school children gathering to take part in their races. Lesley then delivers a 'Cook It, Eat It' demonstration with all visitors, before the main event kicks off with the womens race!
The women of Olney not only compete against each other but also against the women of Liberal, Kansas USA. It all started in 1950 from a magazine picture of the Olney women racing each other to the church. Liberal Jaycee President R.J. Leete contacted the Rev. Ronald Collin, Vicar of St. Peter and St. Paul’s church in Olney, challenging their women to a race against the women of Liberal. The Vicar replied, “The Race is on!”
The first race was held on 21st February 1950.
The record stands with 31 wins for Olney and 39 wins for Liberal (with 2 no contest; in 1980 the score didn’t count because a news van blocked the finish line in Olney).
Fancy giving it a go for yourself?
2023 Winner Eloise Kramer
