It delighted thousands of spectators for decades as they watched participants flinging pancakes up in the air as they ran along King Street.
Competitors were often in fancy dress and taking part to raise cash for local causes.
So let's take a look at pancake races from the past in these 11 amazing photographs.
So let's take a look at pancake races from the past in these 11 amazing photographs.
5. They're off in 2003!
Tommy the Trumpeter gets the South Shields race under way 21 years ago | SG Photo: Shields Gazette
6. Winners in 2004
Who do you recognise in this pancake-themed scene from 20 years ago. | SG Photo: Shields Gazette
7. 2012
Asda's Mavis Maughan and Specsavers Scott Pinckney prepare for the annual pancake race in 2012. | SG Photo: Shields Gazette
8. Hoping to batter the opposition
Were you pictured getting ready for the 2006 pancake race in South Shields? | SG Photo: Shields Gazette