Top 5: Strange Races

Competition is in everyone’s blood. Be the best, the greatest, the strongest, the fastest. Usain Bolt is famous for his athleticism and speed, and everyone knows the races where he excels. But what about the weird races that don’t get much coverage? Here are the top five strange races that exist around the world.

Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is home to the race of the waiters. Restaurant servers from around the country gather in the streets each year to see who is the fastest at carrying a tray laden with beverages. It’s taken seriously by the locals and looked at in bemusement by tourists and foreigners. It’s a great competition to witness.

New York City

The New York City pizza run is a race that might fill you with mixed feelings. There is free pizza handed out at three checkpoints over a two-mile course. On the one hand you get pizza, on the other you have to run quite far. If you don’t want to ruin the taste of pizza, then avoid this race at all costs.

Hershey, Penn.

The underwater marathon is held in Hershey, Penn. Before you wonder how it’s humanly possible, it’s actually a treadmill submerged underwater. You would run on it and have your head above water to help with the, you know, important breathing. The truly insane competitors run from anywhere between five kilometers and a marathon and emerge with legs bigger than tree trunks. The amazing thing about it (apart from the participants’ stamina) is that the event raises money to help wounded service men and women.

Kona, Hawai’i

Kona, Hawai’i, attracts competitors from around the world to partake in the underpants run. In the week following up to the prestigious Ironman World Championships, men and women strip down to their underwear to run through the streets. They at least have the weather for it.

Buffalo, N.Y.

The strangest race, by far, is the half-kilometer stiletto run in Buffalo, N.Y. Each summer, runners who enjoy pain gather to don their high heels and start running. Once again, this madness is all for a good cause, as the funds raised benefit the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.