150 corgis came together for an international race celebrating the small herding dogs that originated in Wales. The event featured a costume parade, a “smartest nose” challenge, and a competition for the loudest bark. The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius took place in the Lithuanian capital’s Vingis park and was the largest edition to date, attracting participants from nine countries.
Organizer Edvinas Miskas noted the significant growth of the event, starting with 40 corgis from one city in the first year to 150 from various countries this year. The competition included dogs from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, the United States, and Britain, the country closely associated with the breed.
The main running event saw 94 corgis competing in qualifiers, semifinals, and the final race over 25 meters. The American corgi named GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog, emerged as the winner, with Mr. Corgington from the U.S. finishing second and Lithuania’s Moka placing third.
In addition to the speed competition, the event showcased the dogs’ other talents and their owners’ creativity. Highlights included a costume parade with unique outfits, a “smartest nose” challenge where corgis searched for hidden treats, and a contest for the loudest bark, which was won by Mr. Corgington.
The competition also featured a 12-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi named Duke from England, who, due to his age, didn’t participate in the main race but competed in the loudest bark contest. Half of the corgis that participated in the event were newcomers, while six veteran corgis have attended every edition, showcasing their dedication to the event.
The event not only celebrated the athletic abilities of corgis but also highlighted their intelligence, creativity, and unique personalities in a fun and engaging competition for both participants and spectators.