Launchpad’s annual Pancake Race, Reading’s most egg-citing event is back, on Shrove Tuesday

Launchpad is inviting local businesses and organisations to compete for the coveted frying-pan trophy – and entertain Reading shoppers and workers as they do so in this year’s Pancake Race.

Teams of four are asked to do their best fancy dress and flip pancakes as they race the route on Broad Street on Tuesday, 21st February at 12.30pm. Registration is now open for the event.

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.

Last year’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. There have been clowns, bananas, the Spice Girls, crows, barristers and Morph suits scrambling 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!

“Launchpad is very much a local charity working in close partnership with the Reading community. 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.”

To take part email [email protected] by Monday, 13th February with your name and contact details.

Race registration is £99. There are 34 places up for grabs for teams of four. Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Launchpad are also asking for volunteers to help with team registration, bucket collections and monitoring participating team’s pancake flips! To get involved, please email [email protected] for details.