Washington DC

‘Redemption story': Meet DC's High Heel Race winner and see the dazzling looks

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D.C.’s most fabulous Halloween season tradition returned for its 37th year on Tuesday night. News4’s Tommy McFly brings you right to the finish line – plus checks out the best outfits. 

The High Heel Race – perhaps D.C.’s most fabulous Halloween season tradition – returned for its 37th year on Tuesday night with dazzling outfits and sky-high shoes.

Dozens of kings, queens and anyone between turned out in their best drag for a fun run down 17th Street, but one cowpoke called Kenny Monroe galloped ahead of the rest.

“It feels amazing – I fell last year, so it’s good to be back!” Monroe said. “Redemption story.”

After falling last year, Kenny said their High Heel Race win is a redemption story.
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 29: A runner dresses in a costume inspired by Beyonce at the annual 17th Street High Heel Race on October 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 29: A runner wears a mod-inspired costume in a jewel-tone floral print, orange pompom earrings, and a bouffant wig in shades of magenta, purple and blue at the annual 17th Street High Heel Race on October 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 29: A runner wears custom sequin and pearl sunglasses, a pearl multi-strand necklace and a faux fur coat at the annual 17th Street High Heel Race on October 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 29: A runner wears a ghost with eyelashes costume with white platform ankle boo at the annual 17th Street High Heel Race on October 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)

Hundreds, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, turned out along 17th Street to see the race.

“This is a pretty D.C. night,” Bowser said.

The race, which began in the 1980s, is also a commemoration of LGBTQ+ history in D.C.

It started with a group of drag queens running from JR's Bar to Annie's Paramount Steakhouse (another gay history site), where they'd take a shot on the second floor. Then, they'd run back down 16 stairs, through the crowded restaurant and back to JR's. The winner would get $100 off their bar tab (about $290 in 2024 dollars!).

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