"I won! ... That guy, the guy who beat me, he took his shoes off with like two blocks left to go. So he got disqualified. I was like a half a step behind him, man... [My heel size?] They're not very big. The person who got Second [Place], she had HUGE heels. They were really big. So, I was like, 'Your win in my book, buddy.' Two people in front of us fell hard -- HARD!''

Daniel, the winning contestant in the 2009 High Heel Race in Washington, DC on Tuesday night. The rather burly and bearded gentleman beat out 100 or so other drag queens to win the annual competition that took place on 17th Street NW, in the District of Columbia's Dupont Circle neighborhood. He was decked out in a knee-length blue dress with frilly shoulders and hemline, a white handbag and pearls, and a pair of open-toed silver stapped heels. 

Video of his victory, is available at Metro Weekly magazine's website. The shocking moments when two of his competitors went face down on the rain-soaked street are also glaringly visible in the video. Highlights of the hour-long parade that preceeds the annual even display all manners of colorful cartoon heroines, glamorous entertainment celebrities, and just plain old out-of-the ordinary costumes.

The crossdressing-themed Holloween event has grown to be one of the city's most popular annual rites. And the 3 blocks of the District's oldest gay neighborhood are jam-packed with LGBT supporters, their heterosexual allies, and curious onlookers seeking a peek at the City's most outrageous outdoor party.

This community-oriented celebration is primarily coordinated by JR.'s Bar and Grill, an gay establishment which is located at 17th & Church Streest the new finish line. DC Mayor Adrian Fenty was on hand to help kick the race off with fantastic start that didn't fail to produce another dramatic ending. (MetroWeekly.com)