Starkville Derby: From a Street Closure Idea to the World’s Largest Wiener Dog Race

In 2023 Alden Thornhill, a Mississippi State alumnus, proposed closing a Starkville street for a dachshund race; his wife Abby replied, “Please, no.” Undeterred, Thornhill launched the inaugural Derby in Starkville. The first race featured about 100 dogs; the event now draws over 300 dachshunds from 28 states, with participants traveling roughly 28,000 miles.

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Thornhill is founder and director. Bugler Chris Loftis, trumpet player in Mississippi State’s Maroon Band, provides the ceremonial “Call to the Post.” Taylor Jernigan’s family has become the Derby’s “first families,” winning divisions. Paige Watson, Starkville Main Street Association director, and Katie Coats, Visit Mississippi chief marketing officer, champion the race’s tourism value.

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Bracket-style races for puppies, adults and a “pretenders” division for non-dachshunds are held. Spectators enjoy “mutt juleps” and live music. It earned Best Large Creative Event (Mississippi Main Street Association) and Best Large Festival (Mississippi Tourism Association) in 2024. The race generates over 10 million social-media impressions, raises more than $200,000 for the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, and draws participants from 28 states.

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Sources list both “over 300 dachshunds” and “more than 300 racing dachshunds,” a minor discrepancy in participant totals. No data are provided on exact revenue or long-term attendance trends beyond 2026.

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Visit Mississippi’s Katie Coats says the Derby “adds color and vibrancy.” Paige Watson adds “the impact is pretty invaluable,” highlighting community and tourism. A livestream reaches viewers globally, expanding Starkville’s cultural reach.

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Participants train on treadmills, wear weighted vests and follow diets. Thornhill admits “we’re a cult. We’re a good cult,” and the 2026 Derby saw disqualification for sportsmanship after a replay dispute. Critics call “weenie-dog people” “crazy,” highlighting tension between novelty and competition.

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Taylor Jernigan calls the Derby a “strong community,” noting friendships and the celebrity of her dachshund Levi, known as “Levi’s mom.” Families volunteer, and the atmosphere blends celebration with rivalry.

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• “Please, no.” — Abby Thornhill, wife of Alden Thornhill

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• “I'm known as the dachshund guy and it is not a bad thing to be known for,” — Alden Thornhill, founder

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• “When it comes to dogs and music [it's] a universal language. It's been a blessing that God has enabled me to be able to reach people in that way,” — Chris Loftis, bugler

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• “Things like the Starkville Derby add so much color and vibrancy and really show who we are," said Katie Coats, chief marketing officer of Visit Mississippi.” — Katie Coats, chief marketing officer, Visit Mississippi

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Organizers aim to expand the Derby’s reach. Thornhill’s 14-month-old daughter, born shortly after the 2025 edition, is expected to inherit the event, ensuring a multigenerational legacy.

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