Ready set go! Exciting New race participation rules are coming for 2026. To participate in the pancake day races, you must be a resident of Liberal, have worked or attended school in Liberal for a minimum of three months before the race.
Register online at Pancakeday.net January 2-16th. International Racers must register at the Hall of Fame.
YOUTH RACES (3-18): 10:15 AM.
Mascot Race: 11:15 AM.
Last Chance Race: 11:30 AM.
MEN'S PACER RACE: 11:40 AM.
Official INTERNATIONAL PANCAKE DAY RACE: 11:55 AM.
The history and rules of the International Pancake Day race:
The tradition dates back to 1445 in Olney, England, when a housewife, late in making her pancakes, ran to the church with her skillet and pancakes in hand when the church bell rang.
The international competition began in 1949 when a member of the Liberal Jaycees challenged the Vicar of Olney to a race between the two towns.
In the race, international runners must wear a skirt, headscarf, and apron, and carry a skillet with a pancake. The pancake must be flipped at the beginning and end of the 415-yard race to ensure it stays in the skillet.
The race always takes place on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent.
You may also like the following events from International Pancake Day:
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Sports events in Liberal,
Contests in Liberal.
