Straight Street Hill Climb
Sunday, November 23, 2025 9:00 am
Cincinnati, OH
Once again, the Straight Street Hill Climb is scheduled to return to its rightful spot on the calendar.....The Sunday before Thanksgiving!
The events will follow the same format from recent years.
We will have our traditional Run/Walk/Ruck climb followed by the Bike Climb and then the Duathlon.
Once again, all registration will be online this year. This includes race day.
FAQ
Q: So, 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.
Q: When did this event start and by who?
A: 2025 will be the 49th anniversary of the run started by the Clifton Track Club back in 1976.
Q: Is there a charity involved?
A: For 2025, all donations go directly to our charity partner, the Cincinnati Soap Box Derby to help with their events throughout the year.
Q: What kinds of events are there?
A: There are Three events: Run, Bike and Duathlon.
The First event is the Classic Run event. Get yourself from the bottom of the hill to the top. That is all there is to it. But, experienced climbers will tell you that there is more to it than that.
The Rucking category was added in 2018 for those who need "extra punishment". This is for the Run event only. See below for the definition of a Glutton!
The Second event is the came course but this time, it is on a bicycle. Some folks say the bike portion is harder than the run. Judge for yourself.
The Third event is a Duathlon. Run it then Bike it. This event will take place after the separate Run and Bike events. The Straight Street Duathlon is the Worlds Shortest Duathlon (as far as we know)!
Q: What is the 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. We say 22 lbs. is sufficient.
a glutton for punishment
phrase of glutton
noun: glutton for punishment
1.a person who is always eager to undertake hard or unpleasant tasks.
Q: Can I participate in more than one event?
A: Yes, you can Pick One event, two events or if you are really a "glutton for punishment", do all three events.
Q: What is the Course like?
A: The .36 Mile Course is Straight. There is only one hill. However, that lasts for the whole course. All races begin at the bottom of the hill, at McMicken. See course map below.
Check in at the top of the hill, at the corner of University Court and Straight Street. You will need to walk/ride down the hill to the Start.
Q: What is the best 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 after the climb.
Q: Will there be Race Shirts?
A: Yes, there will be race shirts for purchase. Due to supply chain issues, there are shortages and extra lead time is required. If you want to be guaranteed to get a shirt in your size, you must order by Friday, October 31, 2025. A little extra for XXL.
Classy Technical Long-sleeved Race shirts are available for purchase for $18 for a limited time. Limited quantities. Slightly higher for XXLs.
There are also some snazzy shirts from previous years that you can purchase at a discounted price. They are sure to become collector's items!
Q: What about those cool fancy .36 stickers?
A: You can purchase at the time of signup for $5.00
Q: Will there be awards?
A: Yes, there are numerous awards for each event including Age Divisions and Clydesdale Divisions.
Overall Male and Female in the Run and Bike Events.
Top three in each Male and Female age division in the Bike and Run event. Divisions are: 12 and Under, 13-20, 21-34, 35-49, 50 and over (Masters).
Top three in each Clydesdale Division in the Run event. Clydesdale Division an alternative to age divisions. Based on weight, not age: Half-Barrel division for Males 200+ lbs; Pony-barrel division for females 160+ lbs. Clydesdale participants will be excluded from age-based awards.
Rucker awards in the Run. Based on participation.
Q: How much does it cost to participate?
A: Here are the prices
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 suffer for only $10.
Q: Where do I go to check in?
A: Race day check in pick up will take place from 7:30 - 8:45 at the top of the hill at the corner of University Court and Straight Street.
Q: What time does the race start?
A: The Run will begin at 9:00. ARRIVE EARLY. Races begin at 9 a.m. sharp and there is always a back up at the registration table. YOU are responsible for getting yourself to the bottom of the hill for the start. Check in at the top of the hill, at the corner of University Court and Straight Street.
Q: Can I sign up on race day?
A: Yes you can sign up on race day on your phone, computer or tablet. All registration will be done online only.
Q: Where is Straight Street?
A: Straight Street is in near the University of Cincinnati in Clifton. Click on the Coordinate link to get specific directions from your location.
Straight Street and University, Clifton, OH
Google: 500 Straight Street, 45219 to get directions from your location
Coordinates: 39.129862, -84.523702
Q: What is the parking situation like?'
A: There are plenty of parking spots in the area. However, the "early bird gets the worm" so don't wait to the last moment and expect to park close.
Pro Tip: Come early on Race Day. Drive to the top of the hill. Check in early. Then go find a parking spot, rest room, warm cup of coffee, warm place to hide, etc
Q: Will there be an awards ceremony?
A: There will be a brief awards ceremony at the top of the hill following the events.
Q: What is going on after the race?
A: NEW in 2023: After the awards ceremony, there will be a post-race celebration at Wiedemann’s Fine Beer, Brewery & Pub located at 4811 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45217 (St. Bernard). You can tell your stories in greater detail here.
Q: Where is the best place to watch the races?
A: That depends: if you like to see pain, the closer to the top of the hill to better. We encourage you to spread out along the hill. Spectators are encouraged to line the street near the top of the hill to cheer on the finishers as they make their baby steps toward the end.
Q: What if I want to pay with cash on Race Day?
A: All registration will be online this year. This includes race day.
Q: I am busy that day. Is there any way that I can still compete?
A: YES, you can choose our VIRTUAL RUN or our VIRTUAL BIKE event. Complete the course and record your time on our results page. Sure, we trust you!
Q: Are you sure that I cannot show up late, fill out a paper form and pay cash on race day?
A: YES, we are sure!
Q: Where can I find more information about this event?
A: You can check out our Straight Street Hill Climb Page on Facebook for photos, videos, news, comments and more.
