Men and women in China are putting on their pumps for two weeks of intense competition.

According to China's "Wuzhou Daily," the town of Nanning is holding their annual high-heeled running festival.

The races began last week.

Male racers are required to wear heels at least eight centimeters in height, while the women's shoes must be at least ten centimeters tall.

The competitors, who are aged between 18 and 55, have to run along a track over 20 yards long while making their way over hurdles.

The event features races for men, women and couples.

Winners of each event win nearly 150-dollars as well as shopping vouchers.

A spokesman for the event says the men more than hold their own in the competition, stating, quote, "Their technique was quite amazing, as despite wearing high heels there were no sprained or twisted ankles."

(Copyright 2009 by Newsroom Solutions)