Our annual Pancake Race, Reading’s most egg-citing event, is back on Shrove Tuesday 21 February, from 12.30pm and registration is open.
We are inviting local businesses and organisations to compete for the coveted frying-pan trophy – and entertain Reading shoppers and workers as they do. Teams of four are asked to don their best fancy dress and flip pancakes as they race the legendary route on Broad Street.
Launchpad’s Pancake Race is now in its 26th year. All the money raised from this event funds the charity’s essential services for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home in Reading.
These include supported housing; a free drop-in service for anyone in housing crisis; and a work and life skills centre so clients can build confidence, learn new skills and get back into work.
As well as the coveted frying pan trophy and the adoration of the people of Reading for the winners, there are also prizes for second and third place, best team spirit, best fancy dress and best fundraising team
2022’s cracking winners, local accountancy firm, Crowe UK, took their bird-themed fancy dress to the top spot.
But what will this year’s winners be wearing?
Whether you rock up as dinosaurs, chickens, fast food or astronauts – (almost) anything goes at Launchpad’s Pancake Race when it comes to fancy dress. We’ve had clowns, bananas, the spice girls, crows, barristers and morph suits scramble for first place.
Vicki Lewis, Launchpad’s fundraising manager, said: “The annual Pancake Race is a really popular event and is thoroughly enjoyed by all, whether you are taking part or spectating, it is a sight to behold! The costumes and Olympic-standard competition make it quite eggs-traordinary!
“We enjoy working in close partnership with the Reading community and the ongoing support we receive from local businesses is greatly appreciated.
“The event is a really fun way for people to get involved and join in with this incredible sense of community spirit. And in such uncertain times, the money raised by our wonderful teams is more important than ever.”
Wherever you work in Reading, you can secure your spot and batter it out with other local businesses by emailing fundraising@launchpadreading.org.uk by Monday 13 February 2023 with your name and contact details. And if you are part of a local club or organisation, you can still take part. All places are now full, but we are operating a waiting list.
Race registration is £99. There are 34 places up for grabs for teams of four. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and only one team per company is permitted.
We are also asking for volunteers to help – with team registration, bucket collections and monitoring participating team’s pancake flips! If you would like to get involved, please email fundraising@launchpadreading.org.uk for details.