Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins, is traditionally a time for feasting and celebration. In Liberal, Kansas, and Olney, England, this day has a unique twist—women racing with pancakes in hand.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Liberal and Olney will square off for the 76th year to run the International Pancake Race. 

Olney’s tradition declares the race was first run in 1445, when a woman, hearing the church bells, ran with skillet and pancake in hand, to receive the “kiss of peace.” The original start line is unknown but the finish was at the church.

Olney women continued to run the “pancake race” but the tradition lapsed during World War II. Filled with enthusiasm to revive the ancient custom, The Vicar of Olney, the Reverend Canon Ronald Collins called for volunteers and 13 runners appeared. The race caught on and Olney set out to enjoy this link with their past.

Inspired by this long-standing tradition, a chance reading of a magazine article by Liberal Jaycee President R.J. Leete in 1950, led to the creation of the International Pancake Race, bringing together two towns across the Atlantic.

Despite the passage of time, Pancake Day has become a symbol of community and friendly rivalry between Liberal and Olney, a bond strengthened by decades of shared celebration. The traditional prize of the race is still the “Kiss of Peace” by the verger (bellringer).

Liberal’s celebration kicks off with flipping contests in elementary schools, followed by a lively 5K Fun Run. The fun doesn’t stop there—people of all ages join public eating and pancake-flipping contests.

Shrove Tuesday begins with a breakfast followed by races for 3-year-olds and up. Once the big race takes place and the winner is crowned, the crowd moves to the United Methodist Church for the Shriving Service and then the two communities share a video chat to declare the International winner. A parade rounds out the festivities.

For more information visit pancakeday.net.