High-Heeled Women Sprint With Ripa for March of Dimes' Benefit

July 9, 2008 — -- Central Park saw its newest athletic contest today. Hundreds of high-heeled participants turned out for "Live with Regis and Kelly's" High Heel-A-Thon, a 150-yard dash to benefit the The March of Dimes.

Although the official competition was open to women only, men could enter a special honorary category. Five hundred women and 11 men representing nearly 40 states signed up for the sprint, in which contestants had to wear a minimum three-inch heel to compete for prizes. First-place was awarded $25,000, with second- and third-place winners receiving $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. The men's dash winner won $1,000.

Ripa described the genesis of the competition...

"Marathon, schmarathon! Completing 26.2 miles in running shoes is nothing -- try spending a full day running errands, taking the kids to school and shopping, all in 4-inch heels," Ripa declared. "That's what I call a real marathon! So our 'High Heel-A-Thon' is a way of showcasing a unique unsung talent for which most women are never recognized."

GMA caught up with Ripa as she limbered up in her dressing room, before the event.

Sponsored by Dr. Scholl's For Her®, the proceeds will go towards improving infant health by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. "Live" also arranged for a special $50,000 donation in commemoration of the event.