The Olney Pancake Race has run for over 550 years but has unfortunately been cancelled in 2021 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
With pancake day fast approaching, many residents are left disappointed that they will not be able to celebrate by partaking in the traditional event.
The annual race sees women racing through Olney's streets to be the first across the finish line holding their pancake. Participants must be women over the age of 18 and have lived in the town for more than three months.
On their official Facebook page, the Olney Pancake Race posted: “It is with regret that the Pancake Race Committee has had to make the difficult decision to cancel the Olney pancake race for 2021.
“With COVID-19 restrictions currently in force, and the widespread expectation that the situation will extend into 2021 means the event is not viable.”
Many locals were upset by this news, Debra Sheehy spoke for many when she said: “I quite understand, but it’s sad.”
It is widely believed that the event has run almost every year since 1445, with the exception of briefly pausing during the Second World War.
It is hoped that the event will be able to resume next year, assuming social distancing restrictions have been lifted by then.
READ MORE: Why Milton Keynes leads the way in the history of Pancake Day
