29th annual High Heel Race held in DC

WASHINGTON - Thousands of people came out to Dupont Circle Tuesday night for the annual High Heel Race on 17th Street.

Costumed drag queens wearing some of the most creative and decorative outfits came out for the race, which is in its 29th year.

Authorities closed off roads around 17th Street for an event that is held each year on the Tuesday before Halloween.

David Perruzza, general manager of JR's Bar and Grill and one of the main organizers of the high heel race, explained how it all got started:

"Twenty-nine years ago, JR's used to be Annie's [Paramount Steakhouse] and a couple of guys were drinking and they said, 'Let's do a shot and run back.'" So they did that and they did it the next year and the next year to a point where they got a crowd watching. Then the crowds got so big that after the 13th year, there was basically a riot, so cops asked us to come in and organize the event, and it's gotten to be this big, huge, fun citywide event now."

Many spectators came out for a night of fun as they cheered on the competitors while also supporting the LGBT community, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The runners raced three blocks in high heels that are at least two inches tall. The winner of this year's race finished in 41 seconds.