The 2026 Savannah Wiener Dog Races will take place on Saturday, October 10. The race is organized by Savannah’s Waterfront in collaboration with Plant Riverside District, with proceeds benefiting Savannah’s Waterfront, a 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the history, maintain the appearance, promote the area, and promote collaboration among businesses along Savannah’s Waterfront.

Race Details
Event begins at 11:00 a.m. in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 400 West River Street.

Check-in opens at 9:00am and will close at 10:45am. All registered dogs must be checked in by 10:45am. 

Entry fee is $25.00. Entry fees are not refundable. 

Registration will close when all heats are full, or at the event director's discretion. Please register early to ensure your dog is able to compete.

Dogs will be grouped by weight. Weight classes are up to 7 lbs, 8 - 14 lbs, and 15 lbs and over. Dogs must be 25 lbs or less to participate.

Fastest run certificates will be given to the winners of each heat. Then the winners of each heat will compete in a final race for the grand prize!

The grand prize winner will receive a special trophy as well as a 2 night stay certificate from the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.

Our judges determine the winner of each race. Ruling of judges is final. All owners must agree to this policy. 

Dachshund-mix dogs may race in our special "Almost A Wiener" heat, but are ineligible for the grand prize trophy run.

In addition to the races, there will be a Doggy Parade and Costume Contest! Best dressed dogs with their owners will compete for first, second and third place prizes. No additional registration fee for the costume contest. 

Participation Rules

• All owners must submit current rabies vaccination record for their dogs. 

• All racing dogs must be accompanied by 2 people: Owner and assistant to be of service to dog at starting gate and finish line. Owners may coax runners with toys, chews or verbal cues. No dog whistles, balloons or breakable items are allowed. 

• Dogs must be on leash at all times except while racing. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog. Relief areas will be available with plastic bags, should you forget to bring your own. Water will be available for dogs.

• All owners must sign a media release, as well as a consent waiver releasing all organizing parties and others from all liabilities associated with canines interacting with other canines and people. Savannah's Waterfront and Plant Riverside District are not responsible for any injuries, human or canine, emotional or physical. Please consider the demeanor of your dog before deciding to participate in the races. If your dog is not friendly toward kids or other dogs, please do not participate in this event. We want happy hounds and humans!

• Owners will be responsible for bringing participants to the staging area when their heat is called.

• Owners and assistants are not permitted on the race course except when announced for their individual race.

• All participating dachshunds must be registered and/or checked in before 10:45AM on race day. 

Waiver and Release of Liability

In consideration of being permitted to participate in the 2026 Savannah Wiener Dog Races, I do hereby agree to its rules and regulations and hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns do hereby waive, release and discharge Savannah's Waterfront and Plant Riverside District, their officers, directors, employees, or any other party from any and all damages, death, personal injury or property damage which I may have or which may subsequently accrue to me or my dog as a result of my participation in this event.

This release is intended to discharge the above mentioned parties from and against any and all liability arising out of or in connection in any way with my participation in this event even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the released parties or entities mentioned above.

I certify that my dog is properly vaccinated and will provide proof of current rabies vaccination.

I agree to keep my dog on leash at all times, with the exception of specific racing/times.

I will permit free use of pictures of me or my dog in all types of media coverage and promotion for this event or in the future.

I, the undersigned, verify that I have read and will abide by all rules and regulations pertinent to this event, waiver and release of liability. I further verify that I am at least 18 years of age.

I have read this release, fully understand it, and voluntarily accept its terms and conditions.  I understand that this release states the entire agreement with the released parties or entities mentioned above.