NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the annual Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest (all times local):
1:05 p.m.
Joey "Jaws" Chestnut ate 71 wieners and buns to secure his 12th title at Nathan's Famous annual July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
In front of a crowd of fans and facing 17 opponents, the California native came close but didn't manage to beat his own record of 74 dogs, set last year.
However, he far exceeded his nearest competitors.
Afterward, Chestnut said he was disappointed to not break his record, but planned to try again next year.
Miki Sudo (MIHK'-ee SOO'doh) had already won the women's competition by chomping down 31 hot dogs. She said she felt "wonderful" as she walked off the stage.
Spectators with foam hot dog hats, plastic noisemakers and homemade signs descended on Coney Island's famed boardwalk for the contest.
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11:25 a.m.
Reigning champion Miki Sudo (MIHK'-ee SOO'doh) has devoured 31 hot dogs to win the women's division of the annual Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest on New York City's Coney Island boardwalk.
The 33-year-old fell short of last year's 37 frankfurters but easily beat runner-up Michelle Lesco, who ate 26 hot dogs.
Sudo's performance Thursday morning earns her a sixth consecutive title.
Spectators with foam hot dog hats, plastic noisemakers and homemade signs descended on Coney Island's famed boardwalk for the contest.
The men will face off Thursday afternoon. Defending champion Joey "Jaws" Chestnut vies for the coveted Mustard Belt against 17 opponents, including 2015 winner Matt Stonie.
Chestnut set a record last year by eating 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
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9:41 a.m.
The dog days of summer are upon us.
Competitive eaters will scarf down dozens of hot dogs and buns Thursday at the annual Nathan's Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest on New York's Coney Island boardwalk.
California native and 11-time champion Joey "Jaws" Chestnut will face off against 17 opponents to defend last year's record of 74 wieners and buns in 10 minutes.
Miki Sudo (MIHK'-ee SOO'doh) hopes to win her sixth consecutive women's title. She ate 37 franks last year.
Thousands gather to watch the spectacle every year, with millions more tuning in on television.
ESPN released a documentary Tuesday featuring the rivalry between Chestnut and his longtime foe, Japan's Takeru Kobayashi, who no longer takes part in the contest.
