|
Juliette
Minter managed the race in 66.20 seconds, in a race that goes back
to the fifteenth century and now has a trans-Atlantic element as
well as a world-wide following.
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| Winner
Juliette Minter |
The
organisers are not sure if this hat-trick of wins is a first in
the famous Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race.
The
ritual dates back to the middle of the fifteenth century - tradition
says the first race started in 1445. One theory is that a harassed
wife, hearing the shriving bell, dashes off to the Church still
clutching her frying pan.
Alternatively
the pancake was a bribe to the Ringer, or Sexton, that he might
ring the Church bell sooner, which signalled the beginning of the
day's festivities.
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| Traffic
is stopped in the town as the race begins. |
The
race is known to have continued through the centuries, and although
it may have been not been every year, the tradition was passed on
to ensure it never forgot.
It
wasn't until after the end of the World War II that the custom was
revived, when the local vicar found photos taken in the 1920's.
The first modern race was run in 1948 - with thirteen women taking
part.
Two
years later the international link was made, after the town of Liberal
in Kansas, USA, saw photographs of the Olney event. In the spirit
of friendship the two teams now compete each year and prizes are
given for the person who runs the distance fastest.
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| Muriel
Simpson was the oldest runner, aged 74. She didn't come last. |
Participants
must be women, over the age of 18, who have either lived in the
town for the previous three months or have a permanent residence
in Olney. Wearing traditional housewife attire, they are required
to run the 415 metres whilst tossing the pancake in their frying-pan.
Finally
everyone makes their way to the Parish Church of St Peter and St
Paul for the Shriving Service at which prizes are issued.
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