St Albans Pancake Race 2016 attracts over 100 entrants

The streets of St Albans city centre will go flipping crazy next week for the annual Pancake Race.

Over 100 competitors will run flat out in the event to be held outside the Town Hall on Shrove Tuesday, February 9.

Local churches, the Pudding Stop, the Hare and Hounds pub, SA Law and Regiment Fitness are just some of the 28 teams signed up to race in teams of four, and all competitors are encouraged to dress up in either fancy dress or clothing publicising their organisation.

Pancakes will be available for hungry spectators, who will be treated to two races - the traditional running race and the ‘Flippin’ Walkers Race’.

A special frying pan trophy will be awarded to the victors of the event, which has been organised by St Albans council.

Cllr Beric Read, portfolio holder for localism, said: “This is a favourite city centre event that has been taking place here for many years.

“Those who take part always find it a memorable and rewarding experience.

“It also gives them the chance to get some attention for a charity or some other cause.”

Cllr Read said the authority is looking for a new organisation to step in and plan future races, such as a local charity or business.

He said: “It is organised by the council, but we do feel the time is right to pass the starter gun on to someone else.

“We are looking for another organisation to get involved and inject some fresh ingredients into the Pancake Race to give it a new twist.

“There’s a real potential to use it to raise funds for charity, but it can’t be developed in that way while under council management.”