17 Feb 2026
An athletic team of flippers from Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre beat wealth management firm Lumin Group to win the running event at this year’s St Albans Pancake Festival.
Pipping Meteor Communications to win the walking title were Wagada Digital, led by St Albans Chamber of Commerce President Cheryl Luzet,
The Shrove Tuesday event sees teams from local businesses, charities and other organisations competing in either running or walking races down St Peter’s Street – all while flipping pancakes in a frying pan.
Some of the competitors included last year’s walking winners Youth Talk, St Albans Cathedral. Mercer & Hole, SA Law, Bradford and Howley, Camphill Village Trust, Trestle Arts Base and Collinson Hall.
This year’s races weren’t without their fair share of drama. They came close to being cancelled when contractors from Affinity Water arrived to dig up St Peter’s Street just before they were due to start, until intervention from organisers deterred them from starting work. Then a runner from Bradford and Howley estate agents fell over during their running heat and cut her head open, requiring medical attention from St John Ambulance.
Now in its tenth year, the St Albans Pancake Festival is organised by local children’s charity, Home-Start Hertfordshire, in collaboration with Business Buzz and new pancake race supporter Bonne Maman.
Home-Start Herts business development manager Liz Le Coze said: “How fabulous to have so many St Albans organisations and businesses join in with the races ! They even brought the sunshine with them too! We are so thankful for the local community supporting Home-Start Hertfordshire – and in such a fun way. Congratulations to all teams for taking part, especially to our winners.
“Huge thanks, in particular, to Business Buzz and headline supporters Bonne Maman and race supporters Wagada Digital, St Albans BID and Kier Group PLC.”
Last year, the festival raised a fabulous £7,215 which contributed to early intervention support for local families facing vulnerabilities and in need of assistance, helping them to navigate and overcome their challenges.
The competitive races were followed by a fun run for youngsters on holiday for half-term.
