We've covered stiletto springing before, but it seems that a wave of high-heel races is taking over the world.
After Amsterdam, Berlin, Stockholm, Saint-Petersburg, and Moscow, it was Mexico City's turn on Oct. 28 2007 to organize such an event.
The commercial sponsor behind the event was posh department store El Palacio de Hierro.
The race drew about 500 women strapped on stilettos for the city's first 100-meter High Heel Race.
The women, decked out in running gear and heels of at least 7 centimeters (2.75 inches), galloped through a downtown street. Several collapsed to the ground, casualties of the city's broken asphalt.
The eventual winner was an ex-national champion 1,500-meter runner, who said she practiced for the event for a week. Her time was under 15 seconds.
Special prizes also went to "The Most Elegant Runner", "The Best Smile", and "The Best Coiffed". Overal, prizes were worth about $1,800.
The event was not without its detractors: A group calling itself “Totally Indignant†(a play on the “Totally Palacio†slogan of the sponsor Palacio del Hierro, a department store) blasted race organizers for putting the women's health at risk and making a caricature out of women.
If you're looking for a video, check out Trend Hunter's post from July:
Stiletto Sprinting (Follow-Up)
High-Heel Races Reach Mexico
Trend Themes
1. High-heel Races - High-heel races are becoming a popular trend in various cities worldwide, providing opportunities for event organizers, sponsors, and athletic brands to market their products.
2. Gender-specific Athletic Events - Gender-specific athletic events are gaining popularity, providing an opportunity for event organizers and sponsors to target specific demographics and provide unique experiences.
3. Hybrid Athletic Fashion - The convergence of athletic fashion and formal wear is becoming a trend, creating opportunities for fashion and athletic brands to collaborate and create hybrid products.
Industry Implications
1. Event Planning - High-heel races and other gender-specific athletic events require detailed event planning and present opportunities for businesses to provide services to event organizers.
2. Sporting Goods - High-heel races and other gender-specific athletic events create an opportunity for athletic apparel and footwear brands to showcase their products in unique and creative ways.
3. Beauty and Personal Care - Events like high-heel races, awarding prizes in categories such as 'Best Coiffed' and 'Most Elegant Runner,' create an opportunity for beauty and personal care brands to market their products to a targeted demographic.