Apparently, those smiling personifications seen frolicking around local businesses and sports venues are built for speed, not endurance.
At least that's the notion taken into account when Canterbury Park puts together its annual Mascot Day agenda.
"Wilbur from Famous Dave's isn't quite equipped to run a mile," said John Groen, Canterbury's director of marketing.
So 10 mascots will participate this Sunday in a 50-yard sprint, the highlight of what's now a decade-long tradition. A dance-off in the winner's circle will also take place at some point between two of the day's horse races.
While Canterbury tries to maintain a reputation as a premier horseracing destination, remaining a family-friendly environment is of near-equal import, Groen said. It's for that reason the track hosts events like Mascot Day and Extreme Race Day, which was a monumental hit again earlier this summer.
"That's different than a lot of race tracks that cater mainly to the horseracing junkie and gambler," Groen said. "We recognize a big part of our audience is people who like horseracing and enjoy that part of it, but we want to allow parents to come out here and bring their kids and make it a family place."
Wilbur, Canterbury's own Lucky, Shakopee Schools' Sammy the Saber, the Shakopee Police Department's McGruff the Crime Dog and Harry and Shelly from the Twin Cities marathon will be on hand along with several other mascots, most of whom hail from local businesses.
The day's first horse race posts at 1:30 p.m., and Canterbury's usual Sunday activities of face painting, a petting zoo and pony rides are also on the day's slate. As usual, children will be permitted to run on the track following the final horse race.
There's one stakes race for horseracing aficionados to take in, too. The Cash Caravan Stakes, a 440-yard quarter horse sprint, is on the schedule.
But many mothers, fathers and kids will come out primarily to see if Sammy the Saber can defend his recent run of success, including two straight mascot footrace titles and a victory in last year's dance competition.
"I know for a fact Lucky has taken that as a personal insult and challenge this year," Groen joked. "He has vowed to win the race."
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