People dressed in dinosaur costumes raced their hearts out in central Japan on June 8.

About 350 people took part in tyrannosaurus races and other events at a dinosaur festival in Toyama's Oyama district where fossils of the extinct reptiles have been found.

T-rex races are said to have originated in the United States.

They are being held in various parts of Japan, but this is the first time for them to take place here.

S/ Participant / At first, I couldn't see in front of me, so I didn't know what'll happen. But I managed to win my heat with a last spurt effort.

S/ Participant / I took part in the race because I wanted to become a dinosaur.

S/ Reporter / Did you become one?

S/ Participant / Yes, I did.

The races were divided into three age groups -- preschoolers, elementary school students and those of junior high school age and older.