Defending champion wins women’s hot dog eating competition

Defending champion Miki Sudo (MIHK’-ee SOO’-doh) has won the women’s division of the annual July Fourth hot dog eating contest at Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island.

The Las Vegas woman ate 38 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes to claim the coveted title Saturday. Sudo won the contest last year so she’ll keep the championship belt that comes with the victory.

The men’s competition is later Saturday.

A very light rain fell off and on before the event got underway.

The colorful holiday tradition draws its share of characters. Someone walked around dressed as a giant hot dog.

The security included police dogs that apparently were not thrown off by the scent of the grilled meat.