Eloise Kramer triumphed in yesterday's historic Olney Pancake Race, completing the 415-yard course in a time of just 1.05.37
She led the pack from the very beginning with the determination to win. Congratulations also go to Nicole Murfitt who came second, and third-placed Sophie Reynolds.
Eloise won the race in 2023 and again in 2025 and is delighted to have won for the third time.
“The atmosphere on the start line was great, with so many people lining the street to cheer us on and I felt a mix of nerves and excitement," she said. "Now I’ve won three times, I’m not able to win again and instead, I’m going to join the organising team to help keep this great event going."
Dressed in a skirt and head scarf and clutching their frying pan and pancake, the 25 individual runners and eight three-legged teams completed the packed course from the Market Place, down the High Street, to the race finish outside St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Olney.
The race is reputed to have taken place since 1445 and has certainly run every year since 1948, except for 2021.
Guests included Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and Pippa Kirkbride, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, together with the Mayors of Olney, Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell, Chris Curtis MP and the local ward councillors.
The 77th international race was won by Hannah McCarter from Liberal in a time of 1.03.78. Olney sent congratulations to her on her win - in her first race.
The international event with the town in Kansas began in 1950 and, in a spirit of international goodwill and friendship, the two towns now compete annually and prizes are exchanged.
Visitors to the race were also treated to children’s races, a demonstration from Ben Francis, Senior Head Chef of The Cherry Tree, stalls, music and entertainment, and, of course, lots of pancakes!
The Race will be back next year, on Shrove Tuesday 9 February 2027.
