Peoria Oktoberfest 4th Annual Dachshund Races

Fill out the form below to register your pet!

You must pay the registration fee on the next page once you submit the information below:

You must pay the registration fee on the next page once you submit this form.

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Info:

Think your Doxie has what it takes to win?
Join us for fun, laughter, races, and a dachshund costume contest.

Prizes will be awarded!

Pre-Registration $10 / Registration on race day $15

Online registration closes Thursday 9/17 6pm .  Race day registration will be from 12pm – 1pm and will be cash only. 

When:  Saturday September 19, 2026

• Preliminary Races start at 1:30pm
• Costume judging at 2:45pm (No Entry Fee for Costume Contest)
• Race Finals start at 4:00pm followed by Awards

Where:  d’ Wies’n at Peoria Riverfront Festival Park

What:  A race from one end of an enclosed grass track to the other

Race Rules:

• Only Dachshunds can enter.
• Humans and dog must check-in at the race area at least 1 hour before race time.
• You will need two people, one to hold onto the dog at the start and one to catch the dog at the finish line. If you do not have a second person let us know and we will call for volunteers from the audience (but lack of familiarity with the end catcher may work against you!).  No more than two people in the race area per dog.
• Absolutely NO throwing your dog on to the floor, they must be held until the “GO” and just let go.
• People cannot run with the dogs from one end to the other. The fun part is to see which dogs run and which visit with their dog buddies instead of running.
• The dog that crosses the finish line first will win bragging rights as the official 2026 Dachshund Champion in addition to exciting prizes
• Favorite toys, balls, or other props may be used at the finish line only to encourage your dog to run towards the finish line.
• For their own safety, all dogs must be on leash until they are ready to run the race and must be leashed after the race is complete.
• Any dogs that jump the start whistle will be disqualified at the judges’ discretion.
• Costumes are encouraged.
• Registration is limited to the first 20 dogs who enter.  A reserve list of dogs will also be instituted, and we pull the dogs from the reserves on site, in the moment for a dog no show.
• These rules may be modified at any time by event organizers. Judges’ decisions are final and not open to discussion.
• Failure to follow the rules may result in disqualification. For the safety of everyone concerned, event organizers reserve the right to refuse participation to humans who cannot follow the rules.

Important Info:

• This is a Rain or Shine event.  If you are unable to attend the race for any reason or are disqualified for any reason registration fees will not be refunded.
• All pup participants must be up to date on all required vaccinations.  Owners must be able to produce proof of current vaccinations.
• Please ensure that your precious pooch is ok around other dogs and large crowds.  A dog that shows any kind of aggression will not be allowed to participate.

• On race day remember your clean up bags and water and allow yourself plenty of time to get to the race for registration.  It can be a long walk from the parking lot to the field with those little legs and water (or treat) breaks may be needed.
• Please help keep our festival grounds clean, owners are responsible for picking up after their furry friends. Thank you!

IN CONSIDERATION OF BEING PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2026 PEORIA OKTOBERFEST DACHSHUND RACE/COSTUME CONTEST, I DO HEREBY AGREE TO ITS RULES AND REGULATIONS AND HEREBY FOR MYSELF, MY HEIRS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS AND ASSIGNS TO HEREBY WAIVE, RELEASE AND DISCHARGE PEORIA OKTOBERFEST COMMITTEE, IT’S OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, PARTNERS, SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS, 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 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 MENTION ABOVE.

I CERTIFY THAT MY DOG IS PROPERLY VACINATED AND WILL PROVIDE PROOF OF CURRENT RABIES VACCINATION UPON REQUEST.  I AGREE TO KEEP MY DOG ON LEASH AT ALL TIMES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SPECIFIC RACING TIMES.  I WILL PERMIT FREE USE OF ME OR MY DOG IN ALL TYPES OF MEDIA COVERAGE AND PROMOTIONS FOR THIS EVENT OR IN THE FUTURE.

I, THE UNDERSIGNED, VERIFY THAT I HAVE READ AND WILL ABIDE BY ALL THE 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 AND UNDERSTAND IT, AND VOLUTARILY ACCEPT ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS RELEASE STATES THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT WITH THE RELEASED PARTIES OR ENTITIES MENTIONED ABOVE.