- Eager to race are (L-R) Andy Goodall, President of Alton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Town Mayor Cllr Robert Saunders and Antony Worrell-Thompson (aka Greg Burt, Deputy Town Clerk)
Alton’s annual bumper events programme kicks off literally on 14th February, when the town’s annual Pancake Race gets underway. Celebrating its thirteenth year, the spectacle of young and not so young, many in silly costumes running through the streets helps bring some jollity to an otherwise bleak time of year.
- ACCI President Andy Goodall showing off his technique!
The proceedings will start at 1pm as the Town Mayor, Councillor Robert Saunders, fires a starting pistol to herald the beginning of the race. The race starts outside Iceland on the High Street, goes up Cross and Pillory Lane, followed by circuits of the Market Square and finishes outside the Town Hall.
As usual, the competition is being organised by the Alton Town Council and Alton Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by The Little Grey Cells, who prepare special durable and very inedible pancakes for the contestants to flip.
Entry forms are available from Alton Town Hall and the Visitor Information Office. All you need to do to enter is complete an entry form, bring your £1 entry fee and a frying pan! (Although a limited number of pans will be available to borrow on the day.)
Two races are being held: Over 16’s and Under 16’s, with prizes for the winner and runner-up of £20 and £10 for the seniors and £10 and £5 for the juniors respectively. An additonal prize of £10 will be awarded to the Best Dressed Competitor. Fancy dress is not compulsory, but those daring to dress-up will hopefully bring some added colour and laughs to the occasion. Blatant advertising by companies and groups promoting products and causes is actively encouraged! Once again, special edition medals will also be given to the various winners.
Under 16s race from 2011
The judges will be looking not just for the fastest entrant, but also the person who does the most complete flips.
The event is traditionally held during school half term week to ensure maximum entries, recognising that Shrove Tuesday is officially, this year, a week later.
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[...] Town Council’s desire of bringing some ‘some jollity to an otherwise bleak time of year’ paid off and all who attended, to race or support the event enjoyed themselves and left feeling [...]