France, March 24 -- Some 200 aproned competitorswill take their places on the starting blocks Sunday for a tradition that goes back more than a hundred years: the Paris waiters' race.

Intended to showcase waiters' talent with a tray, the 2km race will see contestants make their way from Paris city hall through the narrow streets of the Marais and back again - all while singlehandedly carrying a glass of water, a cup of coffee and a croissant.

Points are awarded for speed and deducted for spills, with judges waiting at the finish line to assess the state of each participant's tray.

Running is not permitted. Instead waiters are expected to complete the course at a brisk walk - the maximum speed at which you'd expect to see one arrive at ...