Hits 96, WDOD-FM, will continue the Cinco De Mayo tradition by holding the 8th annual “Running of the Chihuahuas” on Saturday, May 2, at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Over the last seven years, over 20,000 Chattanoogans and hundreds of Chihuahuas have participated in the yearly tradition that finds the fastest Chihuahua in Chattanooga.
For the third year, Hits 96 is surrounding the race-site with big screen TV’s that will make for optimum viewing of the Chihuahuas and will determine race results when competition gets tight, as it did in the 2014 finale, said officials. When the race starts, six dogs at a time race to see who crosses the finish line first with each racer moving on to the next round of the competition. Not only will the winning racer win their weight in prizes, owners and spectators can win prizes and enjoy showcase performances from recording artists that will be announced in a week-long lineup revelation event starting in the coming weeks.
Event organizer and afternoon personality, Brad Steiner says, “Eight years ago we started with a dozen or so Chihuahuas in our parking lot. I am proud that the community has supported this event for the last seven years, making it, not only the biggest Cinco De Mayo event in the city but also a Chattanooga tradition. I can’t wait to show everyone what we have in store this year.”
Station Manager Danny Howard says, “We are blessed that our community has embraced this event and continues to make it grow. Local sponsors are seeing the possibilities and are adding their name to the event, which makes its impact that much bigger.”
Mr. Steiner adds, “Pamplona has the bulls – Chattanooga has Chihuahuas. Over 120 fiery Chihuahuas will compete to see who the fastest will be.”
Registration is open and available at www.hits96.com on a first come, first serve basis. Spectators are encouraged to participate for free, starting at 1 p.m. at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Music begins at 2 p.m. and racing begins, tentatively, at 5 p.m. If interested, sponsors are being accepted by Cheryl Brown, sales manager, at 321-6200.