Race Options: Live Feed at Duplex; VIP Passes on 17th
Runners dash for the Church Street finish line at the 2009 High Heel Race on 17th Street NW. (Luis Gomez Photos).
Duplex Diner patrons will have the luxury of sitting down and sipping a cocktail while watching the Tuesday-night festivities on 17th Street NW — from the peace and quiet of the restaurant at 18th and Florida NW.
Diner owner Eric Hirshfield is offering a live video feed of the annual High Heel Race, including the pre-race fun, starting at 8:30 pm. Look for videographer Josh Siegel on 17th Street — he’ll be wearing the “Broadcasting Live to Duplex Diner T-Shirt.” Race time is at 9 pm.
17th Street NW during the 2008 High Heel Race parade. (Luis Gomez Photos)
VIP Passes Help Cover Costs
Another option is the VIP tented standing area for 50 ticket holders at the Church Street finish line. Get more details and tickets at Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (HDCMS) website. HDCMS is a sponsor of the event, sharing costs and providing a clean up crew after the event. Your $40 ticket cost helps defray the cost associated with the High Heel Race.
Race Details
The event is sponsored by the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets (HDCMS) program and JR’s Bar and Grill. You can purchase a VIP pass for the tented area at Church Street; proceeds benefi HDCMS — see details below. JR’s is the creator of the annual event, with the first race in 1986 — the year JR’s opened.
The Annual High Heel Race is always held the Tuesday before Halloween (unless it falls on the 31st, of course). While the race takes place at 9 pm, the two-or-so hours leading up to the race are the best part of the evening. Police block of 17th Street from S down to P and the parade of costumes — runners and non-runners alike — is the best amusement in town.
The race — which does begins on time — is a short sprint from S down to Church, about 1/5 of a mile. So, don’t’ be late or you’ll miss it.
