Stilettos, wigs and a sense of humour were the key elements of the high heels race on 18 April at Key West's Great Conch Republic Drag Race.

The event does not come without risk for competitors, who include female impersonators and drag queens, as they run in stilettos through multiple obstacles.

Contestants raced down a portion of Duval Street through the course that included a tire obstacle path and even pushed shopping carts as part of the competition, Florida Keys News Bureau reported.

The drag challenge was part of Key West's annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration of Florida Keys' 1982 "secession" from the United States, an action prompted by an unannounced US Border Patrol checkpoint erected at the head of the island chain, local media reported.

The 2015 celebrations are expected to continue until 26 April.

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