No one is quite certain how the world famous Pancake Race at Olney originated. One story tells us of a harassed housewife, hearing the shriving bell, dashing off to the Church still clutching her frying pan containing a pancake.

The course is 415 yards long and is run from the Market Place to the Church at 11.55 a.m. Participants, housewives or young ladies of the town, must have lived in Olney for at least 3 months and be at least 18 years old.

Competitors must wear the traditional costume of a housewife, including a skirt, apron and head covering. They must, of course, carry a frying pan containing a pancake. The winner, on crossing the line, must toss her pancake and she is then greeted by the local verger with the traditional kiss of peace. The race is immediately followed by a Shriving service in the Parish Church when the official Olney and Liberal prizes are presented.

2007's Pancake Race was won by Jane Hughes in 73.5 seconds.