Thousands come out for 30th annual High Heel Race in DC

WASHINGTON - Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Dupont Circle for one of the city's most anticipated annual events - the 17th Street High Heel Race.

It is the 30th year of the race and has been held on the Tuesday before Halloween. The pre-race parade and celebration kicked off at 7 p.m. while the high heel race itself started at 9 p.m.

The event has grown in popularity over the years as many participants and spectators dress up in extravagant and decorative outfits for a night of fun while also showing support for the LGBT community.

"I think people just like it because it's a fun community event," said David Perruzza, one of the main organizers of the race. "It's always been a community event and it's great to see what costumes are going to be around."

"I would say it's a night to kind of change your perception a little bit," said Sister Allie Lewya. "We know what Halloween is, but 17th Street is like the runway before Halloween."

Those in charge of the event proudly say they have been "crossing the line since 1986" and they did so again for the 30th year in a row with over 250 participants in the race.

FOX 5 held its own High Heel Race outside of our building Tuesday morning, which included Tucker Barnes!