Hammond (WQOW) - A unique race in western Wisconsin was held today. The 16th annual running of the llamas brought about 2,000 people to Hammond.
"The handlers love it. The crowd absolutely adores it. I mean, the cheering, and the hooting and hollering that goes on...it's a super fun day for everybody that comes to Hammond," said event emcee Don Fowell.
Thousands of people crowded the sidewalks on Saturday, hoping to get a glimpse of the 16th annual running of the llamas.
"It started as just a quirky thing where they used to take them through the restaurant and the bar, run them around the parking lot. That was 16 years ago. Ever since it's grown," Fowell said.
Hammond's population is less than 2,000 people. But at least that number line the streets on race day.
"It's literally the single busiest day we see in Hammond, Wisconsin," said Fowell.
Llamas can weigh up to 400 pounds, but make no mistake, they can move.
"I've seen my llamas chase a deer out of the pasture, so they can run like a deer. But will they run like a deer on race day? Maybe, Maybe not, but if they ran like a deer usually the handlers can't keep up," said llama breeder Shelia Fugina.
Of course, the handlers aren't the ones people come to see, so the trophy is tailored to its recipient.
"The winning llamas get a big basket of veggies. The llama is really the winner, not the people. So the first and second place llamas get big baskets of veggies. Some llamas share their veggies; and some of them don't," Fugina said.
Llamas were not the only animals racing in Hammond. There was also one heat for alpacas.
