Corgi Race in Vilnius Attracts International Participants

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Corgis from around the globe gathered for the fifth Corgi Race in Vilnius, showcasing more than just their speed. The event featured a variety of activities including a costume parade, a “smartest nose” challenge, and a competition for the loudest bark.

This year, the event drew 150 corgis and their owners to Vingis Park in the Lithuanian capital. With participants from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the United States, and the United Kingdom, it marked the largest edition of the race.

“In the first year, we gathered 40 corgis from one city. This year, it’s 150 from nine countries, and for the first time we have a participant from the place where the breed originated,” said organizer Edvinas Miskas.

The main event featured 94 dogs competing in running contests, including qualifiers, semifinals, and the final. The final took place over a 25-meter distance. American corgi GG, short for Gustave the Girl Dog, emerged victorious. Mr. Corgington, also from the U.S., finished second. Lithuania’s own Moka, a former champion, secured third place.

The race was only part of the festivities. The costume parade showcased 38 corgis dressed in various outfits, from dinosaur suits to sports gear. Amigo captivated both the jury and the public with a knightly costume, winning top honors.

In the “smartest nose” challenge, corgis Tora and Rusty from Latvia excelled in finding hidden treats, earning them a shared victory. The loudest bark competition saw Mr. Corgington triumph. He had previously faced GG at a major race in Washington, where he finished second.

This year’s event included many newcomers, but some corgis like Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka, and Dziugas have participated since the event’s inception, making the gathering feel both new and familiar.