‘Flipping fantastic’: Hinckley Pancake race returns for 11th year

Mason Moore & Vaughan Moore | 1 March 2022

OVER 130 ‘flipping’ fantastic participants were the talk of the town today (1 March), for competing in the 11th annual Hinckley Pancake Race, following a hiatus last year.

**Pupils partaking in the pancake race (Image: Mason Moore)**

Pupils running the junior race for their schools ensured that the pancake race was off to a ‘flipping’ good start, in their first few ‘heat’ races, as well as their final races.

A group of three mums even joined in on the fun in the pancake race, by flipping a pancake in a pan with one hand, whilst pushing their prams with the other hand.

**‘Running Before They Walk’ at the start line (Image: Mason Moore)**

The trio, who are part of the ‘second lockdown baby boom’, decided on the group name of ‘Running Before They Walk’ – they made the decision to run the annual race together so that they can be a part of the community and say they took part.

The race did not just attract visitors from Hinckley and its surrounding areas – one family from Hong Kong paid a visit from Leicester down to Castle Street, just so that they had the chance to observe the race, after they learnt that it was going ahead.

Hinckley and Bosworth Mayor, Ted Hollick, was in attendance to hand out neck medals to all participants.

**Mayor Ted Hollick proudly handing a junior participant a trophy (Image: Mason Moore)**

He further handed out trophies to winners, runner-ups, and even award winners for many different categories, who were selected by the Hinckley Bid’s event organisers.

It marked the return of the annual pancake race, following a hiatus last year (2021), as it was cancelled back then due to concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to one of the event organisers, Steve Wegerif, the first annual pancake race was held 577 years ago, in 1445, in the town of Olney, Buckinghamshire.

Superhero comic conflict settled with ‘best-dressed’ award

A superhero comic conflict from the comic pages came to life today, as Marvel’s Incredible Hulk and DC’s Wonder Woman settled it inside of the race, but it was Wonder Woman who managed to take home the award for the best dressed.

And, Matty the Mattress, the mascot for Barwell-based bed business, Vogue Beds, was the joint winners of the Best Dressed Pancake Flipper Award.

**‘Wonder Woman’ with Mayor Ted Hollick (Image: Mason Moore)**

First pancake race for Free Press reporter – Vaughan’s thoughts

This race marked the first ever pancake race for one of our reporters, Vaughan Moore, who regularly reports for us in the nearby town of Nuneaton.

**Vaughan Moore at the pancake race with pen and pad in hand (Image: Mason Moore)**

Speaking on witnessing the race for the first time, he said: “It’s a very unique experience. It’s great to see kids having fun.

“Everyone has been in a good cheery mood crowding around to watch it, and the group of mums competing with prams was something I didn’t expect to see today.”

Radio presenter scores second place in senior race

It seemingly marked the first time that an individual for Fosse 107 had taken part in the race, with one of the many presenters for the Hinckley-based radio station, Tom Bright, managing to secure his spot in second place in the finals of the senior race.

**Radio presenter Tom Bright with his pancake, pan and trophy (Image: Mason Moore)**

Speaking exclusively to the Free Press, Tom said: “I think I’m the first individual to run the race for Fosse 107. It went really well, and it was close in the heats.

“The winner stormed ahead and won by a landslide.”

He concluded: “I’m glad to be taking the trophy back to the studio.”

Winners

Best Dressed Pancake Flippers: Wonder Woman & Matty The Mattress

Excellent Effort: Mark Richards

Junior Race Runner-up: Zane, Age 10, from Westfield Junior School

Junior Race Winner: Jack, Age 11, from St. Mary’s Primary School

Senior Race Runner-up: Tom Bright

Overall Senior Race Winner: Michael Cornish