Dupont Circle Gearing Up for 29th Annual High Heel Race

Racers in high heels and colorful costumes will once again sprint through Dupont Circle during this year’s 29th annual 17th Street High Heel Race tomorrow evening.

Here’s what you need to know if you plan to go:

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Banaka and Birdie LaCage will marshall this year’s race. The festivities start with a parade at 7 p.m., followed by the race itself at 9 p.m. Crowds line up along 17th Street between R and P Street NW hours before the race, so attendees who want to snap quality photos or see the race up close should plan ahead and be prepared to wait in possibly cold, rainy weather.

Chairs, dogs “or anything drag queens can trip over” will not be allowed along the race route, said event organizers. Additionally, attendees are not allowed to climb on newspaper boxes, homes, trees or light posts for a better view.

The race will begin at 17th and R streets NW at 9 p.m. Racers will sprint south toward the finish line at 17th and P streets NW.

Those interested in running in the race can register at Cobalt (1639 R Street NW) any time before the race tomorrow. To work as a volunteer during the race, visit JR’s Bar and Grill (1519 17th Street NW) at 6:30 p.m. to pick up T-shirts and instructions. Volunteers must be 21 or older.

The first High Heel Race was organized in 1986 by JR’s Bar and Grill. Since then, it has become one of Dupont Circle’s most popular yearly events and draws thousands of people annually.