Lithuania’s corgi racers run at their own pace

Vilnius, Lithuania hosted an unusual annual event on Saturday, as Corgi owners gathered to race their furry companions through Vingis Park. Organiser Edvinas Miskas Grinius launched the event six years ago, initially expecting only close friends and family to attend, but was pleasantly surprised by a turnout of around 130 corgis from eight countries. The spectators numbered in the thousands, drawn to the quaint capital city dubbed the "European Corgi Capital."

The race itself was anything but competitive, with many dogs hesitating at the start line, stopping mid-run to engage in play, or even turning back towards the beginning. Grinius explained that Corgis are one of the slowest dog breeds globally, attributing their unique race dynamic to the large audience present.

The event has grown since its inception during the Covid-19 pandemic, when only family and friends were expected to watch. Now, it's an annual occurrence broadcast in Lithuania and the United States. In addition to the races, visitors delighted in a parade featuring Corgi costumes and a competition to determine the loudest bark, with the winner reaching an impressive 111 decibels.

While Corgis are known for their charming appearance and association with Queen Elizabeth II, their distinctive long bodies and short legs became apparent during the costume competition. Participants donned various outfits, including clowns, medieval nobles, cowboys, and even a horse, with one dog portraying the legendary Iron Wolf who, according to legend, inspired the city's founder.

The winning costume featured a young girl in a duke's attire with her Corgi Amigo, dressed as the Iron Wolf. Amigo, however, appeared less than pleased with his costume, which required a week to create.