It’s one thing to participate in a race to see who’s fastest. It’s another to do so while balancing a tray of food and drink. That’s what 200 of the best restaurant servers in Paris, France, did on March 24. Called the Course des Cafés, the race required speed and skill.

The Course des Cafés required participants to walk 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) through the streets of Paris while carrying a tray with a croissant, a glass of water, and an empty coffee cup. The rules were simple. Don’t run, don’t spill, and don’t carry the tray in both hands at once.

Judges examined each participant’s tray at the finish line. They took off points for broken dishes, spilled water, and empty glasses. The men’s winner, Samy Lamrou, finished in 13 minutes, 30 seconds. The women’s winner, Pauline Van Wymeersch, reached the finish line in 14 minutes, 12 seconds. Van Wymeersch said being a server is very hard work, but she can’t imagine having any other job.

Paris is famous for its restaurants and cafés, and its servers are well trained. They are known for being able to remember complicated food orders—and for balancing trays full of food. The Course des Cafés first took place in 1914 to honor these skills.

This year’s race celebrates Paris as the host of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, which will open on July 26. Experts thought a food race would be an ideal way to promote both the world’s biggest sporting event and the host city’s famous tradition of restaurants.

The winners of the Course des Cafés will have the opportunity to go to the Olympics. They each won tickets to the opening ceremony that starts the big event!