With the understandable exception of 2020 and 2021, the Pagham Pram Race has taken place on Boxing Day every year since 1946 – making it the oldest of its kind in the world.
Back then, a group of demobilised servicemen started the tradition of running, with a pram, to each of the three Pagham village pubs, and drinking a pint at each.
Today, pram racers dress up in a variety of quirky costumes to range money for a range of good local causes that might struggle for funding otherwise. Starting off at 11am, the racers run from The Mill on Pagham Road, The Bear, The Lamb Inn, and Maria’s Cafe.
Speaking to Sussex World, Pagham Pram Race Organiser Andrew Goodwill said this year’s race was one of the most successful in the event’s near-70 year history, raising approximately £4,500 for good causes.
"We think we had anywhere between 5,000 and 5,500 people turn up. It was amazing, it makes all the hard work worthwhile,” he said.
"We were so lucky with the weather, too. It was windy and rainy the day after, and it will probably be the same all week, but Boxing Day was warm and dry. We couldn’t have asked for better.
"So many kids turned out, and they were loving it, and that meant their parents were loving it. And that’s what it’s all about, really.”
Photography y 1981Photographer.
Today, pram racers dress up in a variety of quirky costumes to range money for a range of good local causes that might struggle for funding otherwise. Starting off at 11am, the racers run from The Mill on Pagham Road, The Bear, The Lamb Inn, and Maria’s Cafe.
![All funds raised go to local charities which might struggle for funding otherwise.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdhM2M4ODZhLThhOWYtNGU0Yy05NDQxLTMwNTg2YWI5NzhhZDphZjFiZTY1Ny1iYTBmLTQ0N2ItOWQxZi1lNzk5ZTNiMWU4ZjU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. 'Best Ever' Pagham Pram Race rakes in record donations
All funds raised go to local charities which might struggle for funding otherwise. Photo: 1981Photographer
![The Pram Race organisers also host a range of smaller fundraisers throughout the year.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjE0Mzc2NDljLTAzZmItNGM3Ny05NWFlLTU4ZmI5NDY5YzQ5MzoyMDdhMmQzZS05NDNhLTRiZDAtYWQyNi0zYjRmMzhlZTBmOTY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. 'Best Ever' Pagham Pram Race rakes in record donations
The Pram Race organisers also host a range of smaller fundraisers throughout the year. Photo: 1981Photographer
![The cost of the Pram Race is entirely covered by sponsors, so all donations go directly to good causes.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjgzYTQ0ZTIyLWYxNzMtNGI1Ni1hYzc5LTBiOTI4NTkzMGFjNjo0MmY5OGNhNS0zZmE4LTRkNTUtOGFkOC0xNzdlOTVjYjJmZDI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. 'Best Ever' Pagham Pram Race rakes in record donations
The cost of the Pram Race is entirely covered by sponsors, so all donations go directly to good causes. Photo: 1981Photographer
![The Fellowship take a break from questing for a Boxing Day stop off in Pagham.](https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmE3NmU3YTE5LTA0ODgtNDU4Ni1hZTQzLTM1NmVmMWFlMGMwMDpiODA1YzY5YS1iZDNhLTQzYTEtOTI5OS1kYmQ0Y2ExODQ5YTQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. 'Best Ever' Pagham Pram Race rakes in record donations
The Fellowship take a break from questing for a Boxing Day stop off in Pagham. Photo: 1981Photographer