LAUNCHPAD’S annual Pancake Race has concluded, raising funds to help support those facing homelessness in Reading.
Businesses and organisations braved the drizzle to don their costumes and take up their pans to take part in the yearly contest.
More than 30 teams took part, raising a total of £8,500, in the event which sees colourful costumes and plenty of pancakes descend on Reading’s Broad Street, and Tarek Ahmed from B Radio took on the role of host.
After the fiercely-fought opening heats, RSM UK emerged as the overall winners, donning their animal onesies and just edging out runners-up Nexus Planning, who were dressed as Wally from Where’s Wally.
Air IT, who attended dressed as members of the Mystery Gang from Scooby Doo, came in third place.
Best Fancy Dress, awarded by Cllr Page, went to Collard Environmental, whose impressive costumes saw them dressed as the lion, the tin man, the scarecrow, and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.
The Highly Commended Fancy Dress Award went to Field Semour Parkes and the Team Spirit award went to Phantom Brewery.
The Oracle took the top spot in the Great Pancake Flip Off, after securing 57 flips, and the team from Take Note Choir were awarded best fundraisers after raising over £865.
Cllr Tony Page said at the event: “I’ve been coming along for many years, but it’s my first as mayor, and yet I’ve never tossed a pancake on Broad Street, but I do admire those who do.
“It’s all for a good cause, and as the one who selects some of the winners, I’m up for offers.”
Chip, who ran with the team representing Double Barrelled Brewery, said: “It’s good to be alongside other local businesses and Launchpad is such a great thing to support.
“It’s my first year, and it was good fun– hearing everyone shouting for you is great, as is coming last and dropping your pancakes.”
Lousie Keane competed alongside fellow representatives from Reading Voluntary Action, and said: “It’s great fun– we’ve loved the planning, preparation, and practise; we’ve taken it very seriously.
“The atmosphere is so lovely and positive, everyone takes part and it’s all for a really good cause.”
Kirsti Wilson, head of Fundraising and Marketing at Launchpad, said: “It’s brilliant that our Pancake Race has been as wonderful as ever! Every year the race is full of amazing costumes and laughter – and this year was no exception, even with the unfortunate weather.
“Few will forget the ‘2024 Where’s Wally Wiggle.'”
She added: “We’re also grateful to the hundreds of people that cheered on the runners and made donations at the event – and to our amazing team of volunteers – the race just wouldn’t be the same without them.
“Our fun-filled event has a very serious purpose – to raise funds and awareness that we are here for anyone in Reading who has become homeless, or is at risk of losing their home, Regardless of circumstances.”
