K-9 Frisbee Championship lets the dogs out in Naperville for the ultimate competition

Dogs showcasing their agility and strength, fast-paced throws and world-class teams will take center stage in Naperville as the Ashley Whippet International K-9 Frisbee Championship returns for another year.

The two-day event runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Aug. 31 at Nike Park, 288 W. Diehl Road in Naperville. Human and dog teams from around the world will gather to compete for the title of World Champion.

“This will be a two-day event packed with a ton of action with dogs running, jumping off of their human throwers and flying through the air,” said Tom Wehrli, co-director of the competition. “We will have teams from all over the world coming in to compete.”

The high-energy sport traces its roots back to 1974. The following year, a college student named Alex Stein and his dog Ashley Whippet captured national attention when they jumped onto the field at Dodger Stadium during a Monday Night Baseball game. The duo wowed more than 70,000 fans with Ashley’s speed before Stein was escorted off the field.

Wehrli noted that Stein, still involved with the sport, will attend this year’s championships. “He (Ashley Whippet) could run 35 mph and jump 8 feet in the air,” Wehrli said. “They let them go for eight minutes before arresting Alex.”

For the community, the competition has become a late-summer tradition. Visitors fill local hotels, restaurants and shops during the event, creating a boost for Naperville businesses.

“We have great attendance each year and have great sponsors like Gerald Subaru of Naperville, Wehrli said. “The contestants stay locally, eat locally and shop locally, which is a big plus for our community.”

Gerald Subaru of Naperville has been a longtime supporter of the event, a partnership Wehrli describes as essential.

“We have known the Gerald family for 40 years,” Wehrli said. “The Gerald Auto Group and family have given their time, talents and support to many area groups. We could not do this event without their support year after year.”

Donna Lawler of the Gerald Auto Group, said Gerald is excited to sponsor such a remarkable event with a unique and fun history.

“The K-9 Frisbee Championships bring such incredible energy to the community,” Lawler said. “It’s amazing to see the talent of these dogs and their handlers, and we’re proud to help support an event that brings people together and creates lasting memories in Naperville.”

For more information about the Ashley Whippet International K-9 Frisbee Competition, visit https://www.ashleywhippet.com/world-championships. For information on Gerald Subaru of Naperville, visit https://www.geraldsubarunaperville.com/.