[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 169 (Monday, November 16, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H12986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       100TH OCCASION OF THE THANKSGIVING DAY RACE IN CINCINNATI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Schmidt) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
occasion of the Thanksgiving Day Race in Cincinnati. According to 
Runner's World magazine, the Thanksgiving Day Race is the sixth-oldest 
in the Nation. This annual holiday tradition started in 1908 on a 
course that ran from Fort Thomas Kentucky's gym to the YMCA in downtown 
Cincinnati. Today the course continues to incorporate much of downtown 
Cincinnati and northern Kentucky, beginning and ending at Paul Brown 
Stadium.
  The growth of this race has been impressive. The inaugural race in 
1908 consisted of 19 participants. Last year there were more than 
11,000. To date, over 16,000 have registered for this year's 
Thanksgiving Day race, and registration doesn't even close until the 
race morning. According to Running USA, Cincinnati's Thanksgiving Day 
10K race is one of our nation's 10 largest. Each year highly skilled 
athletes run alongside casual runners and seniors run alongside 
children. For many families the race is an important part of their 
holiday festivities. While the race is certainly popular, it would not 
be successful without the sponsorship and support of the local 
community. Hundreds of folks volunteer along the course aiding the 
runners. Local businesses and community organizations provide monetary 
support whose proceeds benefit many local charities, including the 
Ronald McDonald House and Girls on the Run.
  Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in celebrating the 100th Occasion 
of the Thanksgiving Day race in Cincinnati and wish this proud 
Cincinnati tradition continued success.

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