regis and kelly ripa's "high heel-a-thon" 150 yard dash in central park!

yesterday an interesting race was held in central park, the "high heel-a-thon," to benefit the march of dimes. i doubt many from the new york running community were aware it took place! unless, that is, you're a fan of "live with regis and kelly!" - which sponsored and broadcast the 150 yard dash live, in fact!

this wasn't the typical central park race, like those sponsored by the new york road runners. in fact, for this race, running shoes were strictly forbidden! runners, instead had to wear 3-inch high heel shoes! while the race was officially limited to women, there was a fun run division for men (those lucky - or weird - enough to score high heel shoes for the race)!

but, in other respects, it was very traditional - timing chips, bibs, race shirts and, money prizes! 500 women and 11 men ran the race. the winner took home $25,000! second and third place won $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. princely (or should i say princess) sums considering cash awards in other central park road races!!

while clearly a publicity stunt, it wasn't the first, or only one, of it's kind. earlier this year, in march, a similar event took place in amsterdam! and there have been other high heel races in throughout the united states. but if this one in central park become an annual event, count me in - if i can find a pair of heels in size nine - ha.