When 150 corgis gathered for an international race celebrating the small herding dogs that originated in Wales, it wasn’t just about short-legged speed. The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius in Lithuania’s Vingis park featured a costume parade, a competition for the “smartest nose,” and a segment for the loudest bark.
This year’s event was the largest yet, with participants from nine countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, the United States, and Britain, known for its association with corgis, a favorite breed of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Event organizer Edvinas Miskas noted the significant growth of the race, stating that from its humble beginnings of 40 corgis from one city, the event now boasts 150 dogs from various countries. He proudly dubbed Vilnius as the “European capital of corgis.”
The main running event had 94 dogs competing in qualifiers, semifinals, and the final. In the 25-meter final race, American corgi GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog, emerged as the winner, with Mr. Corgington from the U.S. finishing a close second and Lithuania’s Moka, a former champion, coming in third.
Aside from speed, the event featured other dog skills and owner talents. A costume parade highlighted 38 corgis in various outfits, with Amigo winning both the jury and public vote for the best costume with a knight-like appearance.
In the “smartest nose” challenge, Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty shared the victory after searching for hidden treats.
The loudest bark contest was won by Mr. Corgington, a well-traveled competitor who had previously finished second to GG at a major race in Washington.
While the focus was on fun and skill showcases, the Corgi Race Vilnius also had a touch of nostalgia as six veteran participants have attended every edition, adding a sense of continuity to the event’s growth and popularity.
