One hundred and fifty young women thundered down Amsterdam's most famed fashion street in stiletto heels on Thursday, racing for a 10-thousand euro (15-thousand US dollar) prize.

The annual 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.

Sponsored by Glamour magazine, the race's motto is "Shopping is a Sport”, and friendly competition is encouraged. To be allowed to compete women had to wear heels with a minimum height of nine centimetres (3.5 inches).

Tamara Ruben, 25, from the town of Veenendaal, claimed first prize in the 350 metre race. “I hoped to win, but well I tried to run so fast as possible," she told AP Television.