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What began as an idea that sounded almost too playful to become reality has grown into a celebration that captures the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. In the charming town of Starkville, Mississippi, hundreds of spirited Dachshunds now gather each summer for an unforgettable race that fills the streets with laughter, excitement, and community pride. The event has become far more than a competition, welcoming families, visitors, and devoted pet owners from across the country while raising significant support for the local humane society. It stands as a joyful reminder that one imaginative idea, fueled by determination and a love for dogs, can bring people together in remarkable ways.
Credit: FacebookThe Starkville Derby has become far more than a race for short-legged pups. Each year, the event fills the streets of Starkville, Mississippi, with excited spectators, proud pet owners, and hundreds of determined Dachshunds eager to dash toward the finish line. Along the way, it has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, boosted local tourism, and created lasting friendships among people who share a love for one unforgettable breed.
A Big Dream Inspired by Little Dogs
The journey began when Alden Thornhill mentioned to his wife, Abby, that he wanted to close a city street and organize a Dachshund race.
Her answer was immediate.
“Please, no.”
Despite her hesitation, Thornhill could not shake the idea. After returning to Starkville following time spent in New Orleans, he searched for a community event that would bring people together during the busy spring season. He remembered attending Louisiana’s famous horse-racing culture, where a former boss had encouraged him to enter his Dachshund, Memphis, in a local race.
Although Memphis never competed, the concept stayed with Thornhill.
In 2023, with the help of volunteers and friends, the first Starkville Derby welcomed around 100 racing Dachshunds. The turnout exceeded expectations, giving organizers confidence that the event could become something much larger.
They were right.
Credit: FacebookWithin just a few years, participation more than tripled. Today, over 300 Dachshunds from 28 states travel thousands of combined miles to compete in what organizers proudly describe as the world’s largest wiener dog race.
For one lively weekend, Starkville transforms into a celebration unlike any other.
A Race Filled With Personality
The Derby embraces the excitement of famous horse races while adding plenty of playful charm.
Large video boards replay close finishes. A ceremonial bugler signals the start of each race. Spectators gather with drinks in hand for the traditional bugler’s toast before the competitors charge forward.
One of the event’s most recognizable figures is Chris Loftis, a Mississippi State graduate and former trumpet player with the university’s Famous Maroon Band.
Dressed in a maroon sport coat with a music-note bow tie, Loftis performs the familiar “Call to the Post” before every race. He even walks through the VIP section carrying an extra bugle so fans can take photos with it.
His performance captures everyone’s attention. Not only do the crowds fall silent, but many of the Dachshunds pause and lift their heads, curiously listening to the music before the races begin. Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for.
Some dogs explode toward the finish line with surprising speed.
Others stop halfway to greet cheering fans.
A few simply decide the starting line is exciting enough and refuse to move another step.
Their unpredictable personalities often become the biggest source of entertainment, reminding everyone that these tiny competitors are racing entirely on their own terms.
More Than Just Winning
Credit: FacebookThe Derby features separate divisions for puppies, adults, senior Dachshunds, and even a “pretenders” category where non-Dachshunds are welcome to join the fun.
Among the event’s most successful families are the Jernigans.
Their Dachshunds have captured multiple division titles over the years. Dak, named after former Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott, and Camie each earned championships before Levi added another trophy by winning the puppy division. The family’s youngest Dachshund, Andouille, affectionately called “Douille,” now proudly continues the tradition.
Yet for Taylor Jernigan, the greatest reward has never been collecting trophies.
Instead, she treasures the friendships that have grown through the Derby.
Dog owners from all over the country stay connected through social media, often following one another through their pets’ Instagram accounts. Each spring, the event becomes a joyful reunion where familiar faces, both human and canine, gather once again.
Levi himself became something of a hometown celebrity.
Taylor frequently brought him to local coffee shops and restaurants, where employees greeted him by name. Before long, many residents knew Taylor simply as “Levi’s mom.”
His friendly personality reflected the welcoming atmosphere the Derby has become known for.
A Community United by Dogs
Credit: FacebookWhile plenty of owners train their Dachshunds for competition, the event is rooted in fun rather than fierce rivalry. Some owners prepare with treadmills. Others use weighted training vests or carefully planned diets.
This year, organizers even had to disqualify participants for poor sportsmanship after they argued over an instant replay decision, proving that some competitors become surprisingly passionate despite racing for nothing more than a gold Dachshund statue.
As Thornhill jokingly puts it, “Weenie dog people are crazy. We’re a cult. We’re a good cult.”
The lighthearted humor has become part of the Derby’s charm.
Behind every race is a community brought together by a shared affection for dogs that are often as stubborn as they are lovable.
A Small Town With Global Recognition
The Starkville Derby’s popularity has stretched far beyond Mississippi. Videos shared online generate more than 10 million social media impressions annually. The event’s livestream attracts viewers from countries including France, Japan, and Ecuador, where Dachshund enthusiasts eagerly tune in to watch the tiny racers compete. During a vacation in Italy, Thornhill even met strangers who immediately recognized the Derby after seeing a video online. Others have reported similar experiences in places as unexpected as Walt Disney World, where employees instantly associated Starkville with its famous wiener dog race.
For Mississippi tourism leaders, the Derby has become an example of how unique local events can reshape perceptions of the state while showcasing its welcoming spirit.
The festival has also become an important economic boost for Starkville, earning several statewide tourism awards and attracting thousands of visitors every year.
A Legacy Still Growing
For Thornhill, the Derby represents much more than a successful event. It is proof that a simple idea, supported by friends and embraced by a community, can become something truly meaningful. Families now plan annual trips around the races. Mississippi State students volunteer each year.
Thousands gather to cheer for Dachshunds with unforgettable names like Waffles and Forrest Gump as they sprint, wander, or proudly ignore the finish line altogether.
Credit: FacebookOne especially touching moment came during the latest Derby when organizers paused the festivities to celebrate the birthday of Thornhill’s young daughter, born just days after the previous year’s event.
Smiling, Thornhill joked that while some children inherit land or family heirlooms, his daughter will someday inherit the world’s largest wiener dog race.
Judging by the growing crowds and the loyal community surrounding it, she will have plenty of helping hands when that day arrives.
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