Liberal, KS, Claims Victory in International Pancake Day Race Tradition See More Liberal, Kansas , celebrated a sweet victory in the long-standing International Pancake Day Race, a unique tradition that has connected the town with Olney, England, for decades. The race, which dates back to 1950, sees women from both towns don aprons, flip pancakes, and sprint toward the finish line in a friendly yet competitive event. This year, the contestants in Liberal showcased exceptional speed and agility, securing the win against their Olney counterparts. The race, which covers a 415-yard distance, is a test of both endurance and skill, as participants must flip their pancakes while running. The winner is determined based on the fastest time recorded in each town. The origins of this quirky competition trace back to Olney, England, where the tradition reportedly began in 1445. According to local legend, a woman , engrossed in pancake-making, heard the church bells ring and ran to th...