ALL that was needed was a Chariots of Fire soundtrack.
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Tiny, little legs stretched and primed, eyes focused and the brisk chill of a winter wind on his coat.
Benny the Dachshund was about to leave his opposition for dust.
The inaugural Dachshund dash, the 2019 Sossie Slipper, was run and won at Sancrox Reserve on Saturday, June 22.
Seven-year-old sausage dog Benny dominated the competition in the final sprint to the finish line to claim honours.
Owner David Graham of Wauchope couldn't believe the result. He had no idea little Benny had it in him.
"There was no training and it's the first time he has ever had a go at something like this," Mr Graham said.
"He went brilliantly. Whenever I call his name, he just comes running."
And run he did.
The Sossie Slipper is an event hosted by the Port Macquarie Dachshund Group (PMDG), established in September 2018.
Dachshunds, also known as wiener dogs, are either smooth-haired, wire-haired or long-haired.
They were originally bred to scent, chase and flush out badgers using their compact bodies and digging paws.
Organiser Jean Ballands could not have been happier with the turn-out which celebrates World Dachshund Day and the winter solstice weekend.
"This has been a great success. From the first races where the dogs were all over the place, to the final when they came together with the determination to win no matter what - I couldn't be happier," she said.
The group meets regularly for walks at locations between North Haven and Wauchope and brings together Dachshund lovers across the region for friendship and so their four-legged buddies can interact.
The group also takes part in dog therapy for the elderly at Emmaus aged care every Tuesday from 10am.
PMDG is aligned with Dachshund Rescue Australia and tries to find the right adoptive home to settle dachshunds in the Port Macquarie area.