Flipping Tradition: The Centuries-Old Pancake Race Across Continents

In Olney, England, women partake in an annual pancake race against the women of Liberal, Kansas. The race is a tradition dating back centuries where women run with pancakes in their pans.

The women in Olney and Liberal prepare by limbering up before the race, matching checkered aprons and headscarves adding to the festive atmosphere. Each year, they sprint through the streets, trying not to drop their pancakes, in homage to a harried housewife from 1445.

Kaisa Larkas, a mother of four from Olney, described the race as a challenging distance where one must go "flat out" and avoid falling. Despite the difficulty, she enjoys the fun and competition of the event. The race has been replicated in both countries, with the U.S. leg winning this year by Pamela Bolivar.


The tradition is held on the day before Lent, symbolizing repentance and sacrifice before Easter. The competition mixes athleticism with whimsy, making it a unique and entertaining event. Runners must flip their pancakes at the start and finish of the 415-yard sprint.

Two sisters from Kansas who have been competing in Liberal for years traveled to Olney to participate in the original race. Amy Thompson, one of the sisters, expressed their love for unusual festivals and decided to finally attend the 75th-anniversary event.

The Olney pancake race is a celebration of tradition, community, and friendly competition that spans across the centuries and continents. The event brings together people from different cultures to enjoy a lighthearted and spirited race in honor of a long-standing tradition.

Posted in Entertainment Culture & Travel Health & Food by Quynh Nguyen