TERRE HAUTE —
Hundreds of Hauteans packed the stands to watch “wiener dogs” race to cure cancer.
The inaugural “Dachshund Dash for the Cure — Wiener Dog Style” kicked off Saturday morning at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds, as close to 400 spectators relished the chance to support the Wabash Valley affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
“It was extremely successful, and it was great fun,” Gwen Hicks, board chair of the affiliate, said afterward, noting total money raised was not known yet.
Races began at 10:30 a.m., with 28 dogs participating — some hailing from as far away as Germany. Cost to race a Dachshund was $10, and spectators could place $2 bets on the dog of their choice in one of four heats. Winners received a T-shirt showing the slogan “I Picked the Wiener of the Race.”
Hicks credited fellow affiliate member Cheryl Kaperak with the idea, and when she checked similar events online, she realized Dachshund racing has a substantial following.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
Kaperak’s dog, “Mr. Reggie,” took first place in the 2010 Tri-State Grand Championships at Ellis Park in Evansville last year, and is ready to defend his title, she said. Such races typically cover a 70-yard stretch of track for time, she explained.
“He’s in the finals already for next month,” she explained. “We just started last summer.”
Mr. Reggie was set to participate Saturday but was among the dogs scratching because of distractions and minor scuffles.
“So, he disqualified himself for non-social skills today,” she said while laughing.
Saturday’s winner hailed from Urbana and other participants came from Germany, Indianapolis and Evansville, Hicks said.
Founded in 1982 in memory of breast cancer victim Susan G. Komen, the organization named in her memory raises money for research toward a cure. According to the group’s website, more than $1.9 billion has been raised and invested to that end since its inception, generated through events such as the Race for the Cure.
Hicks and Kaperak said given the turnout, the Dachshund Dash will become a regular event locally.
According to information provided by the American Kennel Club, the name Dachshund means “badger dog” in German. The dogs typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds and are known for their long, low bodies which once allowed them access into the burrows where badgers live. Their elongated, trademark shape has also given rise to the nickname “wiener dog.”
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
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Related Photos
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Tribune-Star/Bob Poynter They're off: Two Dachshunds break toward the finish line Saturday during heat racing at the Vigo County Fairgrounds. The races drew a crowed of at least 400 people.
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Tribune-Star/Bob Poynter Good time: Spectators react to the action on the track Saturday morning during the Dachshund Dash at the Vigo County Fairgrounds.
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Tribune-Star/Bob Poynter Race ready: Lindsay and Sally Roetker prepare “Chopper” for his heat race during the Dachshund Dash on Saturday morning at the Vigo County Fairgrounds.
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Tribune-Star/Bob Poynter Picture this: Elijah Lewis and Corbin Moseman photograph a dog during a break in the action of the Dachshund Dash on Saturday morning that benefited the Wabash Valley affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
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Tribune-Star/Bob Poynter Finish line: Justin Hayes is chased by his dog “Heidi” to finish the Dachshund Dash on Saturday morning.
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Flying fur: Two dogs crash together at the start of the Dachshund Dash Saturday morning at the Vigo County Fairgrounds.
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You can do it: Tim and James Twitchell prepare "Winston" for his heat race Saturday morning during the Susan G. Komen for the Cure event. The dog was the winner of his heat race.
Discussion
‘Wiener Dog Style'
Dachshunds dash to help Susan G. Komen for the Cure
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