No running, no spills, and more alcohol than any normal human being should be able to consume. The fourth edition of the Waiter's Hill Race saw 31 eager contestants walk up Luxembourg City's Corniche all while balancing a tray full of drinks.
A tradition that dates back to 1914 in Paris, where professional waiters, in traditional 'garçon' attire, would put their skills to the test to be crowned Paris' most talented waiter. Luxembourg's version is slightly more on the eclectic side, with contestants sporting costumes that varied from hospital patients in g-strings to bumble bees or vast amounts of 80s inspired sports attire.
This year, the competition format was revamped with three races in total: two semi-finals and a final. In previous editions there had only been one big race, but to create more of a spectacle for the hundreds of onlookers it was expanded.
The 400m route itself was demanding due to the steep incline of the scenic Corniche hill, but obstacles were put in place to make it even more challenging. Crates of beer, stairs, smoke, and copious amounts of shots were all hindrances that the competitors had to overcome all while keeping their hands steady. Spilled drinks meant time penalties.
The semi-finals consisted of two laps around the course, while the final involved four which meant the waiter's fitness levels were challenged. Although it was all in the name of fun, there were still prizes up for grabs and it was Sam Tordy who came out on top.
After the race he was elated: "I couldn't be happier. Last year I crossed the line first, but there was an issue because they thought I wasn't first and I had to do another lap, then I lost too much water out of my glasses and finished fourth. So, to come back this year with my outfit and my muscles, I gave it my all and I'm unbelievably happy to have won it this year".
It would not be a Gudde Wëllen event if there was not some form of hedonism that ensued, following the races there were also prizes being given out for best stage performance. With the finalists getting on stage one-by-one and performing a dance or as one individual did: downed a beer out of his hat.
The hundreds in attendance were entertained and the waiters exhausted, a quirky new tradition that is here to stay.
