Strike a Pose

There’s nothing I look forward to more in Washington, DC than the annual Drag Race, a.k.a. the annual High Heel Race. This event is held every year on the Tuesday before Halloween in Dupont Circle. The participants are a bunch of men dressed in drag, each one required to sport some sort of high-heeled shoe and proceed to sprint 3 blocks down the closed city streets.

Copyright (C) 2009 Mary Weiland

Copyright (C) 2009 Mary Weiland

Costumes range anywhere from incredibly elaborate to sheer ridiculous to mirror images of famous women past and present (Marilyn Monroe, Paris Hilton) to just a skirt and pumps. But the best costumes are the ones that make you a little uncomfortable – the please-God-divert-my-eyes-but-I-can’t-stop-staring uncomfortable...the ones that make straight dudes question their manhood just because they attended.

Copyright (C) 2009 Mary Weiland

A handful of guys actually sprint the 3 blocks and take the race somewhat-seriously (really, they are liquored up pretty good and are there for shits and giggles), and the remaining “runners” take this opportunity to parade the city streets and strike poses for [and with] the thousands of onlookers. Spectators rush the streets as soon as the race ends and pure mayhem ensues, but everyone is in good spirits (or ingested lots of good spirits) and fun is had by all.

Copyright (C) 2009 Mary Weiland

Despite the rain, I took to the streets this year and snapped away. I’m still learning my new camera, and again, missed some great photo ops...especially with my slow-to-focus lens. I’ll have my camera figured out in time for next year’s race, and will come out with some winners.

Copyright (C) 2009 Mary Weiland