Pancake race takes over city centre (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Billy's Bar in Harpenden wins running race

12:30pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in News By Zoe Forsey

Residents had the chance to put their flipping skills to the test at a pancake race in St Albans.

To mark Shrove Tuesday, St Albans District Council organised a running race and a walking race outside the Town Hall for 25 teams from local businesses and charities.

The gold medal for the running race went to a team from Billy’s Bar and Restaurant in Harpenden for the second time, after winning the 2009 event.

James Gallivan, a manager at the bar who took part in the race, said: "It was good for team-building and it was actually a really good laugh.

"Some of the flipping didn’t go too well but the semi-final was really good.

"The staff here all get on so well it is like working with a group of your mates really."

The team didn’t take the competition lightly, and with an offer of a free lunch from the owner if they won as motivation, they set up a practice run last week.

Mr Gallivan added: "By the time we got there we were really keen to win."

To be named the winners, and to take home the engraved frying pan trophy, the team of four had to fight off competition in a round of heats, a semi final and a grand final.

Councillor Beric Read, portfolio holder for community engagement at the council, said: "We had a good number of entries and it was really competitive.

"It is a fun community event with local groups and charities - it is a silly event that is just good fun."