Athletes compete in the stiletto sprint held in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. [Agencies]

The world record for the number of high-heeled sprinters in a race has been broken by a group of women in Australia on Tuesday.

A total of two hundred and sixty-five women dashed their way around the 80m track at Sydney's Circular Quay wearing three-inch heels.

The race was won by 18-year-old 400 metre professional hurdler Brittney McGlone from who took home $5,000 Australian dollars, or £2,500, and a pair of gold stilettos.

She was closely followed by dozens of leggy blondes and brunettes in green shorts, some of whom came off second best with scratches and scrapes from a few spills.

Some sprinters had to be treated for bruises, it was reported.

Former Australian sprinter Melinda Gainsford-Taylor inspected the athletes and ensured they were wearing the mandatory three-inch heels.

"All the girls were pumped," she told Australian media.

"I don't think I've experienced such energy since my racing days," Australia's Age reported her as saying.

A spokeswoman for the event said the world record had topped the previous world record of 150 which was made in Holland.

"It looks like Australia has smashed the current world record and should now hold the title for the most number of people ever to participate in a stiletto sprint," Australian representative for Guinness World Records, Chris Sheedy, told The Age.