PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Hot dogs lined up, bun to bun, in Market Square as competitors stepped up to the plate for a chance to compete in Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Championship in Coney Island, New York.

Nathan’s Hot Dogs opened for business in Coney Island in 1916, which was the year of the first hot dog eating contest.

One competitor, Juliet Lee, says, “I’m a hundred pounds before I eat. After I eat it’s a different weight.”

Another, Big Brian Subich is backed by his Johnstown entourage.

“It’s like running a marathon. The last couple of miles you need that encouragement to push through the wall,” he said.

However for Pittsburgh amateur Kurtis Rucker, it’s his first time competing in the contest.

Despite his sons coaching, Big Brian trailed Aaron Awskoff by a dog and a half. The Pittsburgh amateur’s slowed down. And guess whose lead the pack? Aaron Oshoff and Juliet Lee. They each downed 28 hot dogs in 10 minutes.

Both Aaron and Juliet go to New York in July for the big contest.

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