This race is on fire Pictures This race is on fire A burning barrel soaked in tar is carried at the annual Ottery St. Mary Tar Barrel festival in Devon, England, Nov. 5, 2013 The tradition, which is over 400 years old, sees competitors (who must have been born in the town to take part) running with burning barrels on their backs through the village, until the heat becomes too unbearable or the barrel breaks down, starting with junior barrels carried by children and continuing all evening with ever larger and larger barrels. The event, which has been threatened with closure in previous years due to increasing public liability insurance costs, raises thousands of pounds for charity and attracts spectators from around the world. All photos taken in Devon, England, Nov. 5, 2013 Credit: Matt Cardy/Getty Images