Race Day Questions

What time should I arrive for the race?

I always like to arrive about an hour before start time. This gives me plenty of time to park the car. Go to Paul Brown Stadium and pick up my number and t-shirt. Talk to my friends. Check out the start. Warm-up and stretch and enjoy the morning....

Where should I put my clothes before the race?

It is highly recommended that you secure them in your car. The parking lot is actually closer to the starting line than Paul Brown Stadium, and this way, you can avoid any mishaps and forgotten clothes.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes, the race encourages families to do the event together. So bring the whole gang. We would really appreciate if the strollers start in the back of the starting line with the walkers. Please don’t bring the family dog. They are not allowed (see reasons below).

Can I walk the race?

Absolutely! We just want to be sure you start in the back of the runners so you don’t get trampled. We also ask that you walk in groups of two abreast so that runners can easily maneuver around you.

What if I ordered the wrong size shirt?

You can exchange your shirt at The Running Spot in O’Bryonville during packet pick-up from Saturday, November 20 thru Wednesday, November 24.

Can I pick up other people’s race packets at The Running Spot?

Yes. Be sure you tell them you are going to do it.

Can I register for someone else at The Running Spot?

Yes, you can register for as many people as you would like. Be sure you have accurate information about them and sign the back of the scan card with your name.

How do I get to the start?

Directions to the FREE Parking Lots:

From Southbound I-75: Take the Freeman Av. exit . Continue on Freeman Av to Mehring Way. Turn left on Mehring Way to Central Av. Turn right into Lot E in the intersection.

From Northbound I-75: Take the 5th St. exit. Turn right on Central Av. to W. Pete Rose Way. Turn left on W. Pete Rose Way to parking lots B and C. (on your right and left).

From Southbound I-71: Take the 3rd St. exit. Follow 3rd St. to Walnut St. Turn left on Walnut St. to 2nd St. Turn left on 2nd St. to Main St. Turn right on Main St. to Mehring Way. Go straight onto Mehring Way to parking Lot D on your right or Lot E on your left.

From Columbia Parkway: Take the 3rd St. exit. Turn left on Broadway to E. Pete Rose Way. Turn right on E. Pete Rose Way to Broadway. Turn left on Broadway to Mehring Way. Turn right on Mehring Way to parking Lot D on your right or Lot E on your left.

From 6th St. Viaduct: Take the Mehring Way exit. Follow Mehring Way to Central Av. Turn right into Lot E at the intersection.

Where should I park?

Any of the lots surrounding Paul Brown Stadium. They are free for all the runners and walkers. Get directions to the free parking lots.

How much is parking?

FREE for everyone

Is there water?

Water is everywhere. At the start and finish, we will have McDonalds/Dasani Water at Paul Brown Stadium. And at our water stop at mile 3, we will have Alpine Valley Water. There will be over 200 volunteers from the Ronald McDonald House passing it out. Give them a hand!

I'm starving when I finish these fun races, is there food?

Paul Brown Stadium will be filled with food and music. You will enjoy Brueggers bagels, Kroger cheese, granola bars and snacks, Trauth Dairy chocolate milk and ice cream, McCabes granola, Sunny D, larabars, Dasani water, McDonalds apple slices and cookies, and much more to tide you over until that BIG Thanksgiving Day Turkey Dinner.

What if I lose my timing tag?

Don't. You will have to pay $30 to the Thanksgiving Day Race. Every chip that is not retrieved will be charged back to the runner/walker. We hope that you will take very good care of the $30 chip.

What if the volunteers miss cutting off my chip when I finish?

Take it or mail it to: The Running Spot, 1993 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45208

What if I forgot my race number?

Go to the trouble desk. It will be located in Paul Brown Stadium at registration.

What if I don't know the course?

It is on the back of your race number. Don’t’ worry about getting lost. There will be over 12,000 people guiding the way.

What if this is my first race?

Yahoo for you! Simply pin that race number on the front of your shirt. Tie your chip on the shoe. Place yourself at the back of the starting line at the pace- per- mile- sign that you realistically think you will run the race and go, go, go.

Is there good viewing for my family to watch my stellar performance?

Plenty of open space for fans.

What if I'm late?

What happened? Don't be late! Do you need a wake-up call in the morning or something? You can rush to the start and run the race.

If I'm a walker where should I stand on the starting line?

There will be a designated area in back of the runners. Remember, we have tag (chip) timing so your official time will not start until you cross the starting line. Please, please place yourself in the designated area so you don’t get trampled by aggressive runners.

If I run a 11-minute pace, where should I stand on the starting line?

There will be signs that indicate various paces. Please place yourself in the proper area. Now I'm all for positive thinking, but let's be realistic here. Also remember that because of the chip timing, your official time will not start until you cross the starting line. So relax. You might run a better race if you start in the right location!

What if I didn't order a shirt? Can I get one on race day?

Of course. You can purchase a shirt at the registration area. The shirt is a beautifully designed, long-sleeve, high tech exclusive race shirt. Everyone should have one of these in their t-shirt collection.

What if I can't finish the race?

Where's your confidence? You will finish the race, especially if you follow the training schedule on the website. But, just in case, we will have vehicles on the course providing assistance. They will pick you up of you need to stop.

Are we going to run on the field?

Now, you know the rules. The field is all grass and even though all runners are light on their feet, we would destroy the grass. Paul Brown Stadium will not allow it. Good idea though!

Are the Bengals going to be around?

Yes, they have a practice that morning at the practice field. However, I don't think they are in the great shape that you are. I know that they won't be running or walking the Thanksgiving Day race.

What if I want to confirm that I am registered?

Go to the getmeregistered.com website here, and look for the "Confirm an Entry" box in the left side column.

What if I don't want to pick my number up at The Running Spot on the Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday preceding the race?

Register at the stadium on race day morning. Registration opens at 7am and closes at 8:59am.

When can I get my results?

As soon as you get home and go online at thanksgivingdayrace.com.

Where do the proceeds go?

This year the race will benefit several charities including The Ronald McDonald House, Girls on the Run, Children’s Hospital, St James of the Valley, Kilgour School, Roger Bacon, and more.

What if I think I won an award?

All award winners will be posted online at this site. Winners will receive a commemorative glass, signed and numbered poster, and McDonalds Gift Certificate. If you are in the top of your age group, you will also win a watch. Prizes can be picked up at The Running Spot in Obryonville from November 26th until Christmas.

Is there an awards ceremony?

Since we want to get you home for the holiday, there will be no awards ceremony this year.

Where do I get my award?

Awards can be picked up here:

The Running Spot
1993 Madison Rd.
3445 Highland Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45208

How can I thank the sponsors for their generosity?

I would be so grateful if you could write a letter or email to any of our sponsors. Click on any of the sponsor's logos to take you to their website for contact information. In addition to you, they make this race a huge success and allow us to contribute a lot of money to our charities and volunteer organizations.

What if you didn't answer my question?

I bet you will find the answer on this website.

Why can't we bring dogs to the race?

1. Having pets at the run invalidates our liability insurance
2. Dogs have left their "business" on the streets for runners to step in
3. Dogs do not run in a straight line and therefore interrupt the striding of fellow runners
4. Some dogs are not comfortable in large crowds and their barking and straining at the leash can be uncomfortable for other runners
5. Some people have had bad experiences with dogs and are a little intimidated by them
6. Dogs are not always welcome in public facilities except for aid dogs
7. This is a race policy that we attempt to enforce equally - and is the policy with all my races. We in no way encourage people to bring dogs to the event.