500 Straight Street, Cincinnati OH
Sunday, November 23rd, 2025
Straight Street Hill Climb
Date and Time
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 9:00 am
Location
Cincinnati, OH - 500 Straight Street
Event Overview
- Tradition: The Straight Street Hill Climb is scheduled to return to its rightful spot on the calendar - the Sunday before Thanksgiving!
- Format: The events will follow the same format from recent years.
- Events: We will have our traditional Run/Walk/Ruck climb followed by the Bike Climb and then the Duathlon.
- Registration: All registration will be online this year, including race day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Straight Street Hill Climb?
A: A .36 mile assault on one of Cincinnati's steepest inclines. The Straight Street Hill Climb is two minutes of self-inflicted torture.
Event History
- Start: 2024 will be the 48th anniversary of the run, started by the Clifton Track Club back in 1976.
- Charity: For 2025, all donations go directly to our charity partner, the Cincinnati Soap Box Derby.
- Event types: There are three events: Run, Bike, and Duathlon.
- Run Event: Get yourself from the bottom of the hill to the top: experienced climbers will tell you that there's more to it than that.
Rucking Category
A: The Rucking category was added in 2018 for those who need "extra punishment." Rucking involves walking while carrying a weighted rucksack/backpack.
Glutton for punishment: A person who is always eager to undertake hard or unpleasant tasks.
Multiple Events Participation
A: Yes, you can pick one event, two events, or if you are really a "glutton for punishment," do all three events.
Course Information
A: The .36 Mile Course is straight, with only one hill that lasts for the whole course. All races begin at the bottom of the hill, at McMicken.
Race Strategy
A: The best strategy for completing the Hill Climb: Keep breathing and don't pass out. Previous competitors have recommended drinking cold adult beverages after the event to revive yourself.
Race Shirts
A: Yes, there will be race shirts for purchase. To guarantee a shirt in your size, you must order by Friday, October 31, 2025.
Awards
A: There are numerous awards for each event including Age Divisions and Clydesdale Divisions. Overall Male and Female awards will be given in the Run and Bike Events.
Registration Costs
- Pre-registration: $17.50 for one event, $20 for two events, and $22.50 for three events.
- Late Registration: $20 for one event, $22.50 for two, and $25 for three events.
- Kids Discount: Kids 12 and under can participate for only $10.
Check-in Information
A: Race day check in will take place from 7:30 - 8:45 at the top of the hill at the corner of University Court and Straight Street.
Race Day Details
- Start Time: The Run will begin at 9:00 am. ARRIVE EARLY.
- Registration: You can sign up on race day online.
- Location: Straight Street is near the University of Cincinnati in Clifton.
Parking and Arrival
A: There are plenty of parking spots in the area. The "early bird gets the worm," so do not wait until the last moment.
Awards Ceremony
A: A brief awards ceremony will occur at the top of the hill following the events.
Post-Race Activities
A: NEW in 2023: After the awards ceremony, there will be a post-race celebration at Wiedemann’s Fine Beer, Brewery & Pub.
Viewing the Races
A: Spectators are encouraged to line the street near the top of the hill to cheer on the finishers.
Payment Options
A: All registration will be online this year, including race day.
Virtual Options
A: You can choose our VIRTUAL RUN or VIRTUAL BIKE event if you cannot attend the race in person.
Further Information
A: You can check out our Straight Street Hill Climb Page on Facebook for more details.
Register Now
Course Map
Suggested Races
Find The Run Newsletter