KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? The greyhounds of the Woodlands had to share the track with their shorter, less graceful cousins  the dachshunds  a week ago, marking the ninth running of the Wiener Dog Nationals at the track.

Connie Loebsack, director of marketing and promotions for the Woodlands, said the concept for the race came from a beer commercial that was broadcast 10 years ago.

“The Miller Brewing Company had a commercial that they were using wiener dogs and as a result of that the Wiener Dog Nationals evolved from there,” Loebsack said. “I think there’s like four or five other tracks nationwide that are doing it now.”

Loebsack said 225 dogs were entered to run in the 2002 Wiener Dog Nationals. But with only 64 positions available, the participants were chosen through a random drawing.

Every entrant needs to show proof of current shots and vaccinations, and be accompanied be at least two humans: one to load the pooch into the starting box, and the other to catch it at the finish line.

The winners of the eight preliminary 100-yard races, spaced between greyhound events, advanced to the ninth and final race. That sprint determined this year’s champion weiner.

Rock E. Road, a 3-year-old dachshund owned by Melissa and Derrick Farr of Belton, Mo., won the final race with a time of 12.92 seconds, the fastest time ever for a Wiener Dog Nationals Championship at the Woodlands.

“It’s the first time we have been out and I didn’t even think we would make it this far,” Melissa Farr said, “but he went all the way and won,”

Derrick Farr said he and his wife decided to enter Rock E. in the contest because of the speed he demonstrates in the couple’s back yard.

“He chases birds and squirrels and rabbits,” Derrick said. “He just goes crazy. He’s really fast.”

Unlike the greyhound races, bets could not be placed on the dachshunds, Loebsack said. She added that greyhounds are the only breed of dog the Kansas Gaming and Racing Commission allows wagers to be placed on.

Rock E.’s reward for his efforts was a big trophy, a beautiful sash with “2002 Champion” and a stash of pet supplies.