An eggs-traordinary lunchtime event took place in Reading on Shrove Tuesday, raising more than £8,500 for charity. Companies and organisations from across the area were egged on by cheering crowds of spectators as they took part in the annual pancake race.
With an entry fee for the race of £125 for a team of four, all funds raised will help fund Launchpad’s vital services for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
Due to the weather no running was allowed but there’s nothing better than watching Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz fast walking next to a wiggling Where’s Wally!
Participants took part in a series of relay races, with knock-out races leading to the grand finale. Pancakes had to be flipped as they raced and poor flipping led to disqualification.
As well as the coveted frying pan trophy, there were prizes second and third place, best team spirit, best fancy dress and the team who fundraises the most for Launchpad.
Fiona Keyte, Launchpad’s fundraising manager, said: “Our annual Pancake Race is always a highly anticipated event on the town calendar and is thoroughly enjoyed by all; whether you are taking part or spectating, it really is a sight to behold! The ever-creative costumes and Olympic-standard competition make it cracking good fun!
“The ongoing support we receive from local businesses is hugely appreciated. Pancake Race is a wonderful way for people to get involved and join in with this incredible sense of community spirit.”
Winners this year were RSM , closely followed by Nexus and third place went to Air-IT
Take Note Tilehurst raised the most money topping more than £850 and the Team Spirit Award (chosen by the Mayor) went to Phantom Brewing Co. Collard Ltd won best fancy dress with Field Seymour Parkes Solicitorscoming highly commended in that category.
Winners of The Great Pancake Flip-off were a team from The Oracle. Tony Page, Mayor of Reading started the event and presented the prizes.
Photos by Paul King
Lovely event 🥰