Every weekend, multiple five- and ten-kilometer races take place in Cincinnati for runners and walkers. Marathons, duathlons and triathlons – formerly events reserved for only the most elite competitors – now attract thousands of participants. Judging by the number of cars sporting “26.2” or “13.1” oval bumper stickers, it appears that almost everyone is running marathons. What can the elite athlete do to truly distinguish themselves and prove their mettle in this plethora of “me too” sporting events?
On Sunday, Nov 23, a small group of runners and cyclists will gather at the base of Straight Street in Clifton Heights for the Straight Street Hill Climb. Some will be hoping to break the elusive two-minute record. Others will be just happy to finish the 0.36-mile distance. You read that correctly, 0.36, a little more than 1/3 of a mile. Sound easy?
The Straight Street Hill Climb is billed as ‘one of the most grueling sub-mile runs on the planet’ by event organizers. “It’s two minutes of self-inflicted torture,” claims event coordinator, Doug Newberry. This year’s hill climb will be the 38th anniversary of the the event that started in 1976 by the Clifton Track Club. It has been run almost annually ever since. The bike race was added in 2011, along with the option to both run and bike up the hill in consecutive assaults.
Running race will begin at 9 a.m.. Bike races will begin about 9:30 a.m.. Depending on the number of riders, cyclists may be started in multiple heats.
Proceeds benefit the Cincinnati Soap Box Derby
