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Vilnius Hosts Largest-Ever International Corgi Race and Celebration
VILNIUS, Lithuania – The charming city of Vilnius welcomed an energetic gathering of 150 corgis and their owners this past Saturday for the fifth annual Corgi Race, held in the scenic Vingis Park. More than just a sprinting contest, the event showcased a lively celebration of the beloved breed, featuring a costume parade, a “smartest nose” challenge, and even a contest for the loudest bark.
This year’s race marked the biggest turnout yet, attracting participants from nine countries including Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the United States, and the United Kingdom-home to the Pembroke Welsh corgi and famously favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
“In the inaugural year, we brought together 40 corgis from a single city,” said organizer Edvinas Miskas. “Now we have 150 from across Europe and beyond, including for the first time a participant from the breed’s country of origin. We like to call Vilnius the European capital of corgis, and with this kind of international attention, that title feels well deserved.”
Ninety-four corgis competed in the main racing event, which unfolded through qualifiers, semifinals, and the final sprint over 25 meters. American corgi Gustave the Girl Dog, known as GG, claimed first place, followed closely by fellow U.S. competitor Mr.
Corgington. Lithuania’s own Moka, a two-time defending champion, secured third place.
Beyond speed, the event highlighted the diverse talents and personalities of the corgis. Thirty-eight dogs dazzled the crowd in a colorful costume parade, donning everything from dinosaur suits to sporty attire. The crowd favorite and costume contest winner was Amigo, whose knight-inspired outfit earned unanimous praise from judges and the public alike.
In the “smartest nose” competition, corgis demonstrated their keen sense of smell by hunting down hidden treats, with Latvian dogs Tora and Rusty sharing the top honors. Meanwhile, the loudest bark contest featured a special contender: Duke, a 12-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi from the UK, who skipped the race but was a strong contender for the vocal title thanks to a lifetime of “training,” according to his owner.
Ultimately, Mr. Corgington claimed the loudest bark crown.
This year’s race also brought a sense of camaraderie and tradition, with six veteran corgis-Amigo, Foksas, Foksis, Madeira, Bulka, and Dziugas-making their fifth consecutive appearance. Half of the participating dogs were newcomers to the event, signaling growing enthusiasm for this unique celebration of the spirited and lovable corgi breed.
With its blend of competition, creativity, and community, the Corgi Race Vilnius continues to capture hearts and grow its reputation as a premier event for corgi lovers across Europe and beyond.