Batter the opposition in Reading’s 2026 pancake race

Can your team take the Pancake Race title in 2026 and support Reading homelessness charity, Launchpad?

Launchpad’s flipping fantastic annual Pancake Race returns to Reading for its 28th year on Shrove Tuesday – 17th February 2026.

The challenge is simple: rally your most fearless, fancy dressed colleagues, grab a frying pan, and prove your team has what it takes to claim glory in the town centre…

Each year the costumes get wilder and more creative, with the popular event having seen everything from dinosaurs and astronauts to clowns, bananas and fast food icons racing through the town centre.

The stakes? Huge. The winners walk away with the people of Reading’s admiration, a fantastic prize donated by a local business and Launchpad’s coveted frying pan trophy.

Runners up won’t leave empty handed either, as there are prizes for second and third place, best team spirit, best fancy dress, and top fundraising team, too.

With the support of last year’s Pancake racers, more than 1,800 people facing housing or homelessness issues were helped last year.

Ready to compete? Here’s what you need:

• A team of four
• A brilliant fancy dress theme
• £150 team entry fee
• The courage to run, flip and battle it out against other teams

Last year’s fantastic champions, Davis Tate, have already signed up and are ready to defend their title bragging rights. Will they lift the title for a second time? Or will your team rise to the challenge and flip your way to first place?

Fiona Keyte, Launchpad Fundraising Manager, said: “Get ready Reading – you will not want to miss this cracking event! Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a sight to behold. The incredible fancy-dressed teams give it everything they’ve got, and over nearly three decades this event has raised thousands of pounds to support Launchpad’s work.

“We’re a local charity through and through, and the support we receive from Reading businesses at our very special race means so much!”

Be quick and sign up now — There are only 36 team places and entry fee is: £150 per team of four, first come, first served. You can secure your team’s place at: launchpadreading.enthuse.com/cf/pcr26.

Volunteers needed — Could you help with team registration, bucket collections and monitoring pancake flips. If you can help, email the team at: fundraising@launchpadreading.org.uk.

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