Founder’s Court was the scene of chaos, cheers, and flying pancakes yesterday as our annual pancake race returned in full force.
The grey skies and drizzle did little to dampen the mood of enthusiastic Carthusians who gathered around for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races. Under the watchful gaze of Thomas Sutton, the Houses fielded their finest athletes for the hard-fought annual races. With two boys’ heats feeding into a boys’ final, followed by a fiercely competitive girls’ final, there was plenty of House pride at stake – and plenty of near-misses along the way.
Boys' Heat 1
Bodeites took first place, ahead of Robinites and Gownboys, with Hodgsonites and Saunderites close behind.
Boys' Heat 2
Daviesites cross the line first, followed by Verites and Duckites, while Pageites and Lockites battled it out behind them.
Girls' Final
The girls’ final took centre stage next. Weekites claimed the win with a brilliant performance, Fletcherites secured second place, and Duckites took third. Northbrook, Chetwynd, and Sutton completed the standings after a closely fought contest.
Girls' Winners:Weekites |
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The Pancake Race was such an enjoyable event. Every House came out to Founder's Court in full voice, and the atmosphere was spirited. My House, Weekites, secured the victory in the girls' race – who would have thought the simple art of pancake flipping under pressure would create such a fun and memorable House event?
violet, second year specialist (year 13)
Boys' Final
The event concluded with the boys’ final, delivering everything the crowd had hoped for. Daviesites powered to victory, claiming the trophy for the third consecutive year, with Verites finishing second and Gownboys third. Robinites, Bodeites, and Duckites completed a fast and frantic race.
Boys' Winners:Daviesites |
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The pancake race feels uniquely Carthusian; it combines the intense competitive spirit of inter-House sports with the eccentricity and spontaneity that often underpin life at Charterhouse. The race is unique in the sense that, unlike other competitions, you have no idea who will win, and having the fastest runners does not necessarily ensure victory. This being said, as Daviesites have won for 3 years in a row, maybe there is a method to the madness.
osca, second year specialist (year 13)
There were slips, dramatic saves, and more than a few questionable flipping techniques, yet the energy never dipped. With a big crowd gathered around Thomas Sutton's statue, it was another superb instalment of a much-loved tradition.
As ever, all competitors, judges, and spectators entered into the event with great spirit – well done to all who took part.
Revd Clive Case, senior chaplain & pancake race director
