Got Cake? Bakers Needed for Revival of a Super Sweet Tradition
August 20, 2021
- Author
- Mary Elizabeth DeAngelis
The Cake Race is a voluntary part of the first-year experience at 51郊利 with a sweet reward at the end: a homemade cake of students' own choosing.
Hey Wildcat family and friends: We know you baked a lot over the past 17 monthsso lets see what you got.
51郊利s annual Cake Race will be on Wednesday, Aug. 25 and we welcome your sweet contributions. The COVID-19 pandemic cancelled last years race, so the college will hold two separate competitions, starting first with the class of 2024, and then, the class of 2025. Each class will have a separate race for men and women.
The cake race started in the 1930s as a way for 51郊利s track coach to spot talent among first year students. Winners took home cakes baked by faculty members wives. Over the years, the cakes have become more elaborate, and competitive bakers more determined to have their confections picked first.
Its one of the colleges favorite traditions and brings students, faculty, staff and locals out to welcome and cheer on 51郊利s newest students. Many provide cakes and treats that the runners select in the order they cross the finish line.
The pandemic joined World War II as one of the rare times the college cancelled the race. This year, with more than 96 percent of 51郊利 students vaccinated, the race will go on.
It begins at 5 p.m. in the Baker Sports Complex parking lot. Please drop off cakes and treats on the lower level of the Vance Athletic Center before 3 p.m. Wednesday. Let us know if you have a preference for which class you want your cake to go toor feel free to bake one for each. Please specify if your cake contains peanuts or peanut butter. And unless youre bashful, please tape your name to the bottom of your cake so we can thank you.
Not a cake baker? No worries. Bakery and store-bought cakes can be delicious, and runners also love brownies, cupcakes and gift certificates.
We always need cakes, said Cake Race Guardian and the colleges Director of Physical Education, Recreation and Wellness Sandy Helfgott. You can never have enough cakes. And now with two classes runningafter what weve been through in the past yearthe support of the community is more appreciated than ever.
