<p><br /> More than a hundred professionals and amateur waiters, including a Scotsman in a kilt, have lined up in the contest to be Belgium's fastest waiter.<br /> </p><p><br /> It was the 23rd annual race and the second to be won by David Bohne, a 25-year old from Brussels.<br /> </p><p><br /> He went home with the first prize of 380 euros and is now already dreaming of making it three in a row in 2011.<br /> </p><p><br /> Participants had to run 1.5 miles carrying a tray with three glasses and a bottle of Pineau Charente, a regional French aperitif made from lightly fermented grape and cognac brandy, spilling as little liquid as possible.<br /> </p><p><br /> Summer weather drew hundreds of spectators, who lined the route and cheered contestants.<br /> </p><p><br /> The first Waiters' races were held in France, probably around a century ago, to boost the status of the Parisian 'garcon' and no doubt his employer's takings.<br /> </p><p><br /> They were staged at first on Bastille Day but the date became less important as the race concept spread first across Europe and then globally.<br /> </p><p><br /> The website waitersrace.com now claims affiliated races in 180 cities around the world and offers basic rules, hints on sponsorship and publicity and tips for would-be organisers.<br /> </p>
