Every year since 1986 (except 2020), 17th Street in Washington DC has hosted an annual High Heel Race. This year’s event on Wednesday, October 28, was especially momentous as it marked 40 years of this beloved tradition. 

The biggest news from the 2026 race was the controversial conclusion, when a drag queen dressed as Tina Turner bolted from the crowd and tried to claim victory as the first to cross the finish line. Justice was restored when former winner and race official, Randy Downs, declared Kenny Monroe the deserved first-place victor. 

As the winner, Monroe received a bottle of champagne as well as gift vouchers from local sponsors including Annie’s Paramount Steak House and JR’s Bar. Not only were these two sites integral to the creation of the event, but they were (and continue to be) treasured hangout spots for the local LGBTQ+ community in DC.

 

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The High Heel Race is a beloved city tradition that brings together not just the queer community but DC locals and families for some light-hearted, unadulterated play. The origin story begins with a spontaneous run completed on Halloween night in 1986 by 25 customers and staff from JR’s, a gay bar on 17th Street.

Drag queens raced from the original location of Annie’s Paramount Steak House (1519 17th Street) to the address that Annie’s relocated to (1609 17th Street). Now, it is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in the city and is officially overseen by the DC Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

Speaking at the event, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Jasper Bowles, said, “For nearly four decades this community has turned 17th Street into a place where creativity, individuality, and a whole line of fashion takes centre stage.”

The spirit of the race remains unchanged, although the route this year was notably different from those previous. Moreover, the pageantry and scale of the event have evolved over time as there are now hundreds of runners and thousands form the crowd.

In recent years, there has been an accompanying costume competition for the attendees who come dressed in their best Halloween outfits. In adoring tribute, Dolly Parton was a popular costume for both runners and spectators this year.

Special in 2026 was an official presentation of a High Heel Race mural on the wall of JR’s Bar & Grill at 17th and Church Streets. Bowles proclaimed at the event that “This year’s mural will help ensure that the stories and spirit of this incredible tradition remain part of the District’s LGBTQIA+ history for generations to come.” 

Since its conception in 1986, the High Heel Race has inspired similar races across the world. Read more about another high heel running event at Madrid Pride 2026 here.