WASHINGTON — The Kentucky Derby wasn’t the only big race taking place this weekend. During Saturday’s seventh annual Running of the Chihuahuas at the District Wharf in Southwest D.C., 126 chihuahuas raced for the title of top dog all while raising money for less fortunate pups.

There were 16 heats with groups of eight dogs. George, a 10-year-old white and tan rescue with big ears, won his heat.

George’s owner Dean Kern said they were at the event last year and loved everything about it, especially that it brings attention to rescue dogs.

The event raises money to save the lives of dogs from high kill shelters mainly in North Carolina and Southern Virginia. The proceeds from this event go to Rural Dog Rescue which is dedicated to saving the lives of high-risk dogs.

Kim Hawkins, director and found of Rural Dog Rescue, said they rescue the “underdogs” from economically challenged high-kill shelters.

Hawkins said some of the dogs that other rescue groups and adopters overlook are hounds, black dogs, older dogs, handicapped dogs and dogs that are sick when they come into the shelter.

Hawkins said this year’s running of the chihuahuas was the biggest ever, drawing in the biggest crowds.