For the Reporter

The 19th annual Kent and Alan Wiener Dog Races go to the post at Emerald Downs on Sunday afternoon.

A field of 24 purebred dachshunds will compete for top dog honors, including two returning champions from last year, Otto and Maxx Throttle. The lineup also includes crowd favorite Anderson Pooper, the “wheelchair”-bound wiener who gives other competitors a run for their money.

A total of three heats are on the race card, including two qualifying heats of 12 dogs each. The top six from each of the two heats advance to the final race.

The first-place pooch and their owner will receive an overnight stay for two at Willows Lodge with Willows Very Important Pet Treatment, and oversized wiener dog trophy from Trophies2Go.com and a guaranteed spot in next year’s races.

The fun-filled day includes free face painting, inflatable rides, pony rides and live Thoroughbred racing.

Tickets are available at the gate. Children under 17 get in free.

Gates open at 9:30 a.m., with first post at 2 p.m. and the wiener dog action beginning at approximately 3 p.m.

All attendees will have the chance to “Guess the Winning Wiener Dog” and enter to win a trip for two to see Rachel Platten, Colbie Caillat and Christina Perri at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles on Aug. 20, courtesy of Columbia Records.

This year’s sponsors include: GEICO; Trophies2Go; Maple Valley Bar & Grill; Natural Balance Pet Foods; New York Cupcakes; Willows Lodge; Emerald Downs and STAR 101.5.

Visit STAR1015.com for details.

19th Annual Kent and Alan Wiener Dog Races

2015 Wiener Dog competitors
Dog, owner, city

Otto (2014 winner), Roy and Kathy Edick, Lake Tapps
Maxx Throttle (second in 2014), Gretchen Howell, Lake Stevens
Dottie, Sara Beck and Ben Ice, Seattle
Smallz, Anjel David and Kris Nelson, Seattle
Zella, Becky Streich and RJ Hamm, Seattle
Annie, Cassie Hanek, Seattle
Max, Josh and Sheila Hardman, Graham
Cayenne Lil Bit-O-Luv, Karen Heesacker, Federal Way
Anderson Pooper, Brenda Sizer, Mountlake Terrace
Charlie Brown, Christine Hoffman, Auburn
Ben Norman, Norman Howell, Lake Stevens
Kalia Kauweloa, Frank and Linda Kauweloa, Issaquah
Kirby LaCoursiere, Dave LaCoursiere, Granite Falls
Archie LaCoursiere, Jeanette LaCoursiere, Granite Falls
Lundi, Tony Laruffa, West Seattle
Minnie, Kim and Larry McKinney, Kirkland
Winston, Amy and Joel Roswall, Kirkland
Wiener Dan, Cindy Rowe, Rainier
Tiki, Kyle Davis, Kent
Skipper, Gayle & Emmet Williams, Fall City
Kandi, Andy Taylor, Orting
Shultz Von Woofer (fan favorite), Erika Heller, Bow
Willie Nelson (2015 rally first place), Christi Betz, Everett
Penny Lane (2015 rally first place), Maggie Schmidt, Stanwood
Peanut (first alternate), Tricia Horstman, Pacific
Tigger (second alternate), Courtney Brunner, Federal Way