Ready, set, flip! Annual pancake race draws the crowds into Huntingdon

Guide Dogs for the Blind take part in the race. (Image: Archant)

The Shrove Tuesday tradition, organised by Huntingdon Town Council, saw teams battling it out in the much-anticipated pancake ‘flipathon’ in the Market Square.

This year it was more speed over style as the entrants battled to be the fastest around the track to the finish line.

The event, watched by more than 100 people, was kicked off by the ‘chain gang’ race with mayors from around the district, and even the chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, Councillor Peter Bucknell, taking on the course.

Derek Giles (Image: Archant)

Leading from the start, the mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor Daryl Brown took first place, closely followed in second place by St Neots mayor, Councillor Derek Giles.

“After coming last in last year’s race I was delighted to take first place this year and break the ribbon – my hard work definitely paid off,” said Cllr Brown.

According to the council, it is the first time that a mayor of the host town has taken the first place medal for a number of years.

There were medals awarded for first and second place and chocolate galore as more entrants crossed the finished line.

Rebecca Guise, Shehla Siddique, Rebecca Moss, Emily Wenman (Image: Archant)

Dozens of youngsters from schools in the area also showed off their unique styles and flair in the race with each battling their classmates to take home first prize.

Heats were also held for residents at Hunters Down Care Home and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Two heats were held for volunteers and members of Guide Dogs for the Blind with Martine Brooks and her dog, April, taking first prize in one of the rounds.

It was then time for the hotly-contested retail relay which almost saw Tesco win the title but, due to a lack of flips, community champion, Aylce Barber, was sent back to the last checkpoint, allowing BID town rangers the win. Luminus took second place after winning last year’s race.

Cllr Brown added: “It was great to see everyone turn out for such a great event, with many taking part.”