Puffing along in the world's slowest race

For the pipe smoking aficionado, The Ultimate Pipe Book, by Richard Carleton Hacker (Autumngold Publishing, Beverly Hills, 1984), offers pretty much the ultimate in all things pipe smoking. There is even a plug for the World's Slowest Race--a pipe smoking contest--with an accompanying photo of a typical (I assume) competition. I especially like the way they have the contestants roped off like a boxing ring. Is that for the pipe smokers' protection from crazed fans who might want a piece of their favorite pipe smoker? I doubt you will see this competitive event on ESPN anytime soon.