CINCINNATI — Cincinnati’s annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati kicked off with the “Running of the Weiners,” where about 100 dachshunds wearing weiner costumes vie for the title of “Top Dog.”

The winning time was just more than three seconds for a dog named Leo to run about 75 feet. He won the title last year as well.

“We don’t really do anything special to train him,” said Leo’s owner, Quintin White. “We let him dig in the yard and we play fetch a lot.”

It’s Leo’s fourth year competing.

“We really enjoy it. It’s our tradition to start off Oktoberfest.”

The Weiner Dog Race was just the beginning. There are many competitions throughout the three-day festival, said organizer Brad Mason.

“The big draw this weekend is going to be the chicken dance with the cast of Hamilton,” Mason said.

The Broadway touring company currently playing in Cincinnati will be the grand marshals and joining in the dancing.  

“We’re so excited that they were going to be able to fit it into their busy schedule,” Mason said.

Sunday features the World Brat Eating Contest hosted by Major League Eating.

Cincinnati’s Oktoberfest is the largest in the U.S. It is Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The fest is free and visitors pay individual vendors for food and drinks.