Crowds cheer as runners with frying pans race to mark annual Pancake Day

LONDON — Racers dressed as a skyscraper, beekeeper and a chest of drawers were among dozens of runners in zany costumes zipping around a central London square with a frying pan in hand to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, or “Pancake Day.” Hundreds of people packed into Guildhall Yard, cheering as participants in the annual Inter-Livery Pancake Race ran around the square while tossing pancakes in their frying pans. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Runners compete during a traditional pancake race by livery companies at the Guildhall in London, Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print The spectacle was one of many such pancake races across the U.K. to mark the day before the start of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter that Christians mark with prayers, fasting and repentance. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print The oldest and most famous of pancake races take place in the small town of Olney, England, which legend has it held its first run in 1445. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More