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AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — Like a herd of antelope, jockeying and shoving for position, 150 young women raced down Amsterdam's most famed fashion street in stiletto heels Thursday, racing for a $15,000 prize.
The race on the P.C. Hooft street called the "Stiletto Run" is only three years old but has quickly grown in popularity and spawned imitation races in Germany, Sweden, Poland and Russia.
The race's motto is "Shopping is a Sport" and friendly competition is encouraged — though not always observed.
"At the start there was a lot of pushing, you really get elbowed over," said Fauve Stukje, 18, who came with a small entourage and a big pink sign — but failed to win, show or place.
She said she slightly regretted her choice of shoes, which were nearly 4 inches high —a little higher than the 3 1/2 inch minimum.
Tamara Ruben, 25, from the town of Veenendaal, claimed first prize in the 380-yard race, running so smoothly you might think she was wearing sneakers.
Asked how she would spend the money, she said: "Anything but high heels."
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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