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.

It was the 23rd annual race and the second to be won by David Bohne, a 25-year old from Brussels.

He went home with the first prize of 380 euros and is now already dreaming of making it three in a row in 2011.

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.

Summer weather drew hundreds of spectators, who lined the route and cheered contestants.

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.

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.

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.