Running of the Wieners

Join us for the Running of the Wieners on April 27th at Stuhr Museum! Come cheer on the speediest Dachshund and Dachshund mix pooches in this inaugural race held on the greenspace in Railroad Town. The races will kick off at 1 pm with four categories: Little Smokies (under age 1), Feisty Franks (1-5 years), Senior Sausages (5+ years), and a Special Olympics category for special needs wieners of all ages. Prizes will be given to the top dogs in each category.

The race entry fee is $25 for your dog and 2 handlers (one to release and one to catch your dog at the finish line), or if you’re a Stuhr Museum member, it’s just $10 for your dog! (Stuhr Museum members receive free daily admission!) If you are registering multiple dogs for the races, please register them all at once. If you decide to add another dog after checking out, please contact Stuhr Museum at (308) 385-5316 to complete the registration for the additional dog(s). Additional daily admission tickets for friends and family can be purchased along with your registration or will be available to purchase at the Gate House on the day of the race.

Railroad Town be partially open on April 27th from 12-4 pm. Check out the businesses along Front Street, chat with the tinsmith and blacksmith, and head to the Lesher house to see inside one of the homes in town. Be sure to stop in the Silver Dollar for a hot dog, soda, and other treats for sale, too!

Registration for the running of the wieners is now closed.

If you have any questions concerning your registration, please contact Kylie Luth at kluth@stuhrmuseum.org or call (308) 385-5316.

RULES

The rules below must be followed by dog owners as a part of their voluntary participation in the Running of the Wieners:

1. All racers must submit a registration form and pay a $10/dog race entry fee by April 18, 2024. Race entry fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
2. All owners are required to sign a waiver releasing the facility and sponsors, volunteers, etc. from liability.
3. All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations. A vaccination record signed by your veterinarian must be presented at check-in. Any dog without a signed vaccination record will not be able to participate and will forfeit their race entry fee.
4. E-collars are prohibited during the race.
5. Dachshund and Dachshund mix dogs are eligible to enter. Race heats are determined by age with an additional category for dogs with special needs.
6. Dogs that show signs of aggression will not be allowed to participate. In the event that your dog is aggressive towards another dog or person, they will be disqualified immediately and your race entry fee will be forfeited.
7. In the case of a confrontation between dogs, the handlers must immediately intervene and all dogs involved will be disqualified and race entry fees will be forfeited.
8. All dogs must have two handlers for the event. At least one of these handlers must be 18 years of age or older and the other must be at least 12 years of age or older. One handler will release the dog at the start line and the other handler will ‘receive’ the dog at the finish line.
9. Dogs must be held at the starting line until the whistle is blown to start the race. Not ‘throwing’ of the dogs onto the track is permitted. Do not release the dog before the whistle is heard.
10. There will be two lines at the finishing end. The first line is the finish line for dogs and the first dog to cross the line will be the winner of that heat. The second line indicates where the second handler must stand to receive their dog.
11. Handlers at the finish line must remain behind the second line and cannot reach onto the track to catch their dog. Once their dog is caught, it must be leashed immediately.
12. The number of heats in each category will be determined by the number of entries. In the event of more than one heat, the top two dogs will advance to the next round.
13. Owners must clean up after their dog. If an owner is observed failing to clean up after their dog, the dog will be disqualified, and the race entry fee forfeited.
14. Dog handlers at the finish line can bring a toy to entice their dog. No food or treats are allowed in the race area. Please be considerate of others in your choice of motivation for your dog. No laser pointers, lights, or anything that may be distracting to other dogs/owners will be allowed. No object may be thrown on the track.
15. All dogs must have collars/identification tags and wear their bib bandana when racing.
16. The race official’s decisions are final.
17. Only service animals are permitted inside any building on the Stuhr Museum grounds – race dogs are not permitted in buildings.
18. In the case of a cancellation of the event by Stuhr Museum, race entry fees will be refunded.
19. Have fun!

Each dog owner must sign a waiver and liability agreement on the day of the race when they check in their dog. A copy of the waiver may be previewed here.  For any questions related to The Running of the Wieners, contact info@stuhrmuseum.org or call (308) 385-5316.

Cancellation/Refund Policy

If you are unable to participate in The Running of the Wieners, we ask that you notify us at (308) 385-5316 or e-mail info@stuhrmuseum.org. Cancellations made before or on April 19, 2024 will receive a refund minus a 10% administrative fee. Cancellations made after April 19, 2024 will not receive a refund.