Sausage dogs race for sporting glory

More than 50 dogs competed in races. Photo / Getty Images

Sausage dogs across Melbourne have donned their best costumes to compete in the city's first dachshund race in front of hundreds of fans.

More than 50 dogs competed in the inaugural "Running of the Wieners" dachshund race in Southbank on Saturday, with many other dogs and their human owners watching from the sidelines.

There were also events for mini, standard, old and disabled dachshunds, as well as a best dressed competition.

Dogs competing in the Running of the Wieners. Photo / Getty Images

Race organiser Scott Highfield says dachshunds are more athletic than people think.

"They're really fast, especially the minis; the minis move faster than you think," Mr Highfield told AAP before the race.

"It's on for young and old as soon as they jump out of the blocks; it's over very quickly." Training dachshunds for sporting glory requires patience.

As well as being a contender for the main event, Hayley Swanson's dog Chilli won third place in the costume competition dressed as a biker, complete with a skull-and-bone painted helmet.

"We've been training her now for maybe a month," Ms Swanson told reporters.

"We've been holding a pie, or little treat, on the back of the mini bike and we take off and she chases after us."

Today is quite possibly the best day of my life #Hophaus #SausageDog #Tram http://t.co/myh0S9AkxM pic.twitter.com/LEe47QV7vQ

— Jess King (@jessicasking_) September 19, 2015

While Chilli did not win gold, her trainer thinks she has come a long way since embarking on a running career.

"The first time we tried to practise, she ran the wrong way, so we're very proud of her for at least running the right way," Ms Swanson said.

Photo / Getty Images

The dachshund race raised funds for Dachshund Rescue Australia as part of this year's Oktoberfest celebrations.

- AAP