NEW YORK — The Black Widow of competitive eating has narrowly defended her title.
Sonya Thomas, of Alexandria, Va., devoured 36 and three-quarters hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to win the women’s competition at the annual Fourth of July Coney Island event.
The 100-pound Thomas went toe-to-toe with Juliet Lee with a second to spare. Lee ate 36 dogs.
The count was much lower than last year, when Thomas broke her own record by eating 45 hot dogs and buns.
The Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest has been a city tradition for 97 years.
Joey Chestnut is vying for his seventh straight title in the men’s competition. His personal best and the record is 68 hot dogs and buns.
It’s a dogfight, a roast, a frank encounter, a contest to win in the wurst way. In short, it’s an event that devours puns. With relish.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.