Life can be a drag

Competitors in the Queenstown Winter Festival drag race, from left, Scott Paterson, Toby Stanley, Richard Crouch, David Williams, Jonathan Browne (back), Regan Pearce (with tiara), Richie Heap (front), Jaco Uys, David Telfer and Clayton Dixon, pose before yesterday's race at Earnslaw Park.

Richie Heap, from Real Estate firm Hoamz, won the race from some of Queenstown's leading businessmen entrants, including Queenstown Airport chief executive Scott Paterson.

Participants turned out in their finery before being interviewed in front of an eager audience.

The race included hay bale hurdles, hula hoop twirls, nail-polish application and a sprintto the finish.

Mr Heap said he had been competing for five years and winning meant he could step aside next year.

''It was a fantastic event and Queenstowners were there in full force this year. I'm fortunate to be declared winner as there is some fierce rivalry between local businesses. It's been a great day.''