Wiener dogs let loose for race

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GERMANTOWN, Tenn., Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Dog owners lined up their dachshunds for this weekend's 15th annual "Running of the Weenies" at The Germantown Festival in Tennessee.

The race began Saturday afternoon at the festival, The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal reported.

Many dogs were bribed with toys or treats to make their way to the finish line.

"That's the fun of it, you have no idea what will happen," said Donna VanBrunt of Germantown. Her friend, Millie Webster, who had entered her 2-year-old named Zoey in the race.

The winner of the dachshunds race was 3-year-old Nitro, who ran straight to the finish line.

"We don't do any special training," said owner Vinnie Liberto. "But when we named him Nitro -- I think that meant he had to be fast."

Other events at the Germantown Festival included a dachshunds costume contest, as well as hundreds of vendor booths with handmade crafts and food.

"It's just been a great family event," said festival attendee Audrey Patterson.