Webb Plaza

If you can’t resist the joy of watching floppy ears and short legs bound toward a finish line, this local Grand Island event is the perfect wholesome way to spend an afternoon. The Stuhr Museum is hosting their annual Running of the Wiener Dogs on April 26th, where dachshund owners bring their long and strong furry friends to compete in a race. Whether your hotdog is attentive and fast, or easily distracted and tends to wander, this event welcomes them all. This jovial event is a recipe for a joyful afternoon during these sometimes stressful times, and this lightheartedness has been the spirit of dachshund racing events since they first began.

Although dog racing as a sport has been around since the early twentieth century, dachshund racing has a much shorter history. The first “running of the wiener” racing events took place in Australia in the 1970’s, and were done primarily for amusement. These events planted the seeds that eventually sparked a growth in popularity across the United States, but not until the 1990’s, after a Miller Lite commercial was aired that featured dachshund racing along with other sports. Dachshund racing remains popular to this day in the States as well as in other countries. Notably, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, an enormous annual festival celebrating the German heritage of Ohio, holds a Running of the Wieners contest. Additionally, these events often function as fundraisers, such the Doxie Derby, which is staged every year by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to raise funds for students. Werriwa Wiener Dash, held in Australia, also serves to raise money for Dachshund Rescue Australia.

Although these events are typically more lighthearted than traditional greyhound racing, dachshund racing organizations hold championships for the more athletic of hotdogs, such as the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals. Notably, one particularly speedy dachshund, Zeus, was famous for holding the title of champion for three years in a row at the Germanfest festival.

Whether you and your dachshund would like to participate, or you’d just like to watch and let the cuteness overload take over, all are welcome. Check in begins at 12pm, followed by a delightful costume contest for the pups at 1 pm.

The racing initiates at 1:30. Dachshunds will be split up by age group, Little Smokies (under 1), Feisty Franks (1-5), and Senior Sausages (5+), in addition to a group for special needs dogs, the Special Olympics.

For more information, you can visit their website: https://stuhrmuseum.org/event/running-of-the-wieners/