A .36 mile assault on one of Cincinnati's steepest inclines. The Straight Street Hill Climb is two minutes of self-inflicted torture.

2026 will be the 50th  anniversary of the run started by the Clifton Track Club back in 1976.

All donations go directly to our charity partner, the Cincinnati Soap Box Derby to help with their events throughout the year.

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)!

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.

Yes, you can Pick One event, two events or if you are really a "glutton for punishment", do all three events.

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.

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.

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 30, 2026. 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!

You can purchase at the time of signup for $5.00

 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.

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.

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.

There is no Early/Pre-Race Day packet pick up. 

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.

Yes you can sign up on race day on your phone, computer or tablet. All registration will be done online only.

However, if you know that you are coming, especially if you would like a shirt, we recommend that you sign up early.

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

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

There will be a brief awards ceremony at the top of the hill following the events. 

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 share your stories/lies in greater detail here. 

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.

All registration will be online this year. This includes race day.

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!

YES, we are sure!

You can check out our Straight Street Hill Climb Page on Facebook for updates, photos, videos, news, comments and more.

Really? Just making it to the finish line should be reward enough.

However, see the section on awards if you would like to compete for a medal

Probably not. We recommend that you take care of your business prior to arrival.