Olney Pancake Race 2026

On the day, the focus will be in the Market Place, with a special ticketed pancake breakfast, prepared by Ben Francis, Head Chef of the Cherry Tree Pub & Restaurant. This will be followed by a cookery demonstration and, as the race takes place in school half-term, there’s lots of extra activities planned.

You can meet Fred, Homepride’s bowler-hat-wearing Chief Flour Grader, listen to the Scottish pipers and the fairground organ, watch Great Gappo in action, and meet the local Fire Station crew. Why not join us in the Marquee after the start of the race at 12.00pm for some half-term fun? You can ‘Splat the Rat’, decorate a pancake, and do some colouring.
If you’re feeling hungry, then get yourself a pancake in the Market Place or the Church Hall. There also a chance to visit local stalls for some shopping in the Market Place, the Marquee and the Church Hall.

The children’s races will take place at 10.00 and the main race at 11.55am. All the runners join visitors in a Shriving Service which is held in the Church of St Peter and St Paul immediately after the race. The service will include some of the famous Olney Hymns, written by Rev. John Newton and the poet William Cowper, in particular, the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’.

And there’s a fantastic raffle, supported by many local businesses – first prize is a Relaxing Two Night Break with Treatment and Dining for Two at the 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza, Marlow. Tickets will be on sale in the Marquee.

For more details of what’s happening when, and all the amazing raffle prizes, go to olneypancakerace.org and like the Race on Facebook @olneypancakerace, or on Instagram @theolneypancakerace

The race also has an international element - in 1950 the town of Liberal in Kansas, USA issued a challenge to Olney. In a spirit of international goodwill and friendship, the two towns now compete annually, and prizes are exchanged.

The Race is made possible through the generous support of Bonne Maman®, George Davies Turf & Stone, Kingsley Healthcare, Whitworth Bros. Ltd, and Blackstone®, together with many local businesses.