Eloise Kramer wins the Olney Pancake Race for the third time!
Eloise Kramer triumphed in the historic Olney Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday 17 February 2026, completing the 415-yard course in a time of just 1.05.3. She led the pack from the very beginning with the determination to win clearly showing in her face. Nicole Murfitt came second, and Sophie Reynolds third.
Eloise won the race in 2023 and again in 2025 and is delighted to have won for the third time. “The atmosphere on the start line was great, with so many people lining the street to cheer us on and I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. Now I’ve won three times, I’m not able to win again and instead, I’m going to join the organising team to help keep this great event going’
Dressed in a skirt and head scarf and clutching their frying pan and pancake, the 25 individual runners and eight three-legged teams completed the packed course from the Market Place, down the High Street, to the race finish outside St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Olney. The race is reputed to have taken place since 1445 and has certainly run every year since 1948, except for 2021.
Guests included Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and Pippa Kirkbride, the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, together with the Mayors of Olney, Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell, Chris Curtis MP and the local ward councillors.
The 77th international race with Liberal, Kansas will be settled when the results are shared on Tuesday evening. The international event began in 1950 and, in a spirit of international goodwill and friendship, the two towns now compete annually and prizes are exchanged.
Visitors to the Race were also treated to children’s races, a demonstration from Ben Francis, Senior Head Chef of The Cherry Tree, stalls, music and entertainment, and, of course, lots of pancakes!
The Race is made possible through the generous support of Bonne Maman®, George Davies Turf & Stone, Kingsley Healthcare, Whitworth Bros. Ltd, Blackstone®, and the Cherry Tree Pub & Restaurant, together with many local businesses, and a team of amazing volunteers.
The Race will be back next year, on Shrove Tuesday 9 February 2027. Like us on Facebook @olneypancakerace, or on Instagram @theolneypancakerace to keep in touch.