In a celebration of corgis, 150 of the small herding dogs gathered for an international race that went beyond just speed. The event, known as the fifth Corgi Race Vilnius, took place at Vingis Park in the Lithuanian capital and was hailed as the largest edition to date. Participants from nine countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, the United States, and Britain, where the breed is closely linked, competed in various events such as a costume parade, the “smartest nose” challenge, and a loud bark contest.
Organizer Edvinas Miskas expressed delight at the growing popularity of the event, noting that from its humble beginnings with 40 corgis from one city, this year saw 150 dogs from different countries, including a participant from Wales, the breed’s place of origin. The event dubbed Vilnius as the European capital of corgis, signaling the seriousness and appeal of the gathering.
The main racing event featured 94 corgis competing in qualifiers, semifinals, and the final race over 25 meters. The winner of the final race was GG, an American corgi also known as Gustave the Girl Dog, with another U.S. entrant, Mr. Corgington, finishing closely in second place and Lithuania’s Moka, a former champion, coming in third.
Aside from speed, the event showcased the talents of the dogs and their owners in various challenges. The dogs paraded in costumes, with Amigo winning both the jury and public vote for the best costume. In the “smartest nose” challenge, Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the victory. Additionally, a competition for the loudest bark saw Mr. Corgington taking the top prize.
The event was not just about competition but also about camaraderie and fun, with many corgis participating for the first time while a few veteran attendees added to the charm of the day with their consistency. The event highlighted the bond between corgis and their owners, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for all involved.
