Despite a rainy day in St Albans, this year's pancake festivities kicked off without a hitch.

The 2024 pancake race, organised by Home-Start Hertfordshire, began at 12noon today (Tuesday, February 13).

Residents lined St Peter's Street to watch the races, with a number of St Albans businesses and charities taking part.

Herts Advertiser: Residents lining St Peter's Street for the pancake race.Residents lining St Peter's Street for the pancake race. (Image: Pearce Bates)

The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, was in attendance, and started each race.

Although not dampening the spirits of pancake racers, weather conditions did force a slight change in rules.

Herts Advertiser: A number of St Albans businesses and charities took part.A number of St Albans businesses and charities took part. (Image: Pearce Bates)

If choosing to run the course, participants would usually stop at each white cross on the way to the end, before running back.

Instead, racers were forced to stop on the way back as well, to reduce the risk of slipping.

Herts Advertiser: Not every pancake survived its journey.Not every pancake survived its journey. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Some racers also experienced issues flipping their pancakes, as the rain stuck them to their pans.

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Last year's pancake race raised £4,400 for Home-Start Hertfordshire, a charity which supports families facing vulnerabilities, who are in need of assistance.

Prior to the race, the charity's CEO Suzy Moody said: "We are thrilled to be on the streets of St Albans for the eighth year!

Herts Advertiser: The course run by this year's pancake racers.The course run by this year's pancake racers. (Image: Pearce Bates)

 "The Pancake Festival is a great opportunity for us to spread the word about what Home-Start Herts does and to also raise essential funds to support families going through hard times."

Herts Advertiser: Last year, £4,400 was raised for Home-Start Hertfordshire.Last year, £4,400 was raised for Home-Start Hertfordshire. (Image: Pearce Bates)