Good luck race held at Nishinomiya Shrine

In Nishinomiya, western Japan, crowds of men rushed through the compound of a Shinto shrine on Sunday to win the title of this year's luckiest man.

At 6 AM, the gate of Nishinomiya Shrine was opened to the sound of a big drum. The first group of 108 men, who were selected by lottery, started the 200 meter race towards the main shrine.

The New Year ritual is said to have begun about 2 centuries ago.

Before the early morning contest, a priest said prayers for the safety of the participants.

A 22 year old student won the race. He is in his third year at a sports science university and belongs to the school's track and field club.

He said he is glad to be the luckiest man, and hopes he will be lucky enough to qualify for the national track and field competition and achieve a good result.

The 3 top runners broke a sake barrel in front of the main shrine and served drinks to the people who wanted to share in their good luck.