In Vilnius, Lithuania, the focus wasn’t solely on short-legged speed at the international corgi race. 150 corgis and their owners gathered more than just for racing, offering a variety of activities including a costume parade, a “best nose” test, and a loudest bark contest.
The fifth Vilnius Corgi Race was the largest to date. Held at Vingis Park, it drew participants from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the United States, and the United Kingdom, a country famous for its connection to the breed, favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Organizer Edvinas Miskas reminisced, “In the first year, we had 40 corgis from one city. This year, there are 150 from nine countries, and for the first time, a participant from the breed’s homeland.” He noted that Vilnius is becoming the European capital of corgis, highlighting the title’s increasing legitimacy as it draws visitors from the breed’s origin instead of the other way around.
Ninety-four competitors participated in the main race event, moving through qualifiers to the finals. In a thrilling final spread over 25 meters (82 feet), GG, an American competitor short for Gustave the Girl Dog, took the victory. Mr. Corgington, another US participant, finished closely in second, while Lithuania’s previous twice-champion Moka came third.
Beyond racing, the event showcased other skills of the dogs and their owners. A costume parade featured 38 creatively dressed corgis, including outfits like a dinosaur costume, dress, and sporty attire. Amigo won both the judges’ and public’s hearts with a knight-like appearance, even garnering Facebook audience votes.
The “best nose” challenge involved dogs searching for hidden treats. Latvian corgis Tora and Rusty tied for the win. Then, in the loudest bark competition, though Duke, a 12-year-old pembroke welsh corgi from Sedbergh, England, didn’t race due to age, he hoped to excel in barking. However, it was Mr. Corgington who claimed the title.
Among the many who traveled far, Mr. Corgington had a chance for a rematch following his second place to GG at a major race in Emerald Downs, Washington. It marked GG’s second consecutive victory there. Half of the Vilnius newcomers were first-time participants, yet six seasoned corgis, including costume champion Amigo, have attended every edition.