As the men took their places with heels set at the starting line, a roar of cheering took over Main Street. Along the yellow tape surrounding the race, anxious children and spectators moved back and forth, making sure to not miss a stumble or fall. Pink tutus, aprons, wigs and skirts characterized each of the teams along with high heels and purses. Shadows cast over the street, and sooner than expected the racers were signaled to go.

This event was created in order to raise awareness about domestic violence and raise money for Hilltop’s Latimer House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence. The teams alone raised $8,300, which doesn’t include the donations made by the audience during the race.

The robust movement of untrained legs and feet in high heels, two to four inches tall, made for an amusing sight as laughter overcame the crowd. Faces were tense with determination and discomfort as they passed along purses like batons. Hearts sped up as the race was head to head. A few men seemed to have mastered the difficult task of running in heels as the WCCC (Western Colorado Conservation Corps) team gained the lead. Contributing to their lead was the men on opposing teams who could not seem to familiarize themselves with the high stature and speed that was required to keep up.

One man slipped and caught himself, grasping onto an orange cone. He pulled himself back up onto his feet, continuing the race. Down to their last runner, the WCCC team dropped their purse at the starting line while participant Bryan Hotard sprinted, trying desperately to catch up while Ace Hardware competitors followed closely behind in third place.

“It looked like it hurt so bad, but it was pretty epic,” spectator Derrick Christopher said.

After the winners were announced, the participants headed behind the stage and began removing the tape that secured the heels to their feet. Talk of strategies and outfits arose amongst the Ace Hardware team.

“Oh yeah, we’re making plans for next year. We are going to up our costumes”, said Eric White.

Laughter and chatter continued as moments of trial and error from the race were reminisced. The crowd began to scatter. Pieces of gray duct tape were left behind in nearby trash cans, tutus and aprons were removed and the participating men went back to their comfortable, familiar sneakers.