Julie Isphording, a former Olympian with a deep connection to Cincinnati, has been at the helm of one of the city's most beloved Thanksgiving traditions. The Thanksgiving Day Race, now in its 115th edition, continues to bring together thousands of participants each year.

Experience the Joy of Running on Thanksgiving with Cincinnati

Julie Isphording: A Homegrown Running Legend

Julie Isphording's running journey began at a young age and has led her to remarkable achievements. She attended Xavier University and went on to represent the United States in the Olympics, becoming part of the first-ever women's marathon team in 1984. Two years later, she was the first American woman to finish the Boston Marathon, and in 1990, she won the Los Angeles Marathon. Her success on the running stage is undeniable, but her impact on the Thanksgiving Day Race is equally significant.After winning the race 13 times, Isphording stepped back from competing but took on the role of lead director. Her passion for the event and her desire to make it a family tradition have driven her to continuously improve and innovate. She works tirelessly to give the race exciting upgrades while maintaining its traditional appeal, ensuring that it remains a beloved part of Cincinnati's Thanksgiving holiday.

The 2024 Thanksgiving Day Race: New Features and Improvements

This year, the 2024 Thanksgiving Day Race is expected to have around 13,000 participants in both the Western & Southern 10K and Chick-fil-A 5K. A new addition last year, the Chick-fil-A 5K, provides an inclusive option for families. Due to the increased number of participants, the course will be widened to reduce crowding and give runners more space.The routes for both races will be completely within Cincinnati, taking runners through Downtown, the West End, Over-the-Rhine, and The Banks. The 10K route no longer crosses into Northern Kentucky, as many runners found the bridges too steep. Instead, the race aims to capture Cincinnati's "beautiful landmarks," including all three professional sports stadiums and the Ohio River.The start and finish lines are located outside TQL Stadium, a setup implemented just last year. Runners can walk onto the stadium's field after finishing their race and see themselves on the jumbotron. There will also be more food, drinks, and music at the event to enhance the overall experience.For children ages 5 to 10, there is a quarter-mile ProAmpac Kids Fun Run, a noncompetitive out-and-back stretch where parents can watch their children and take great pictures.

The Planning Process and the Joy of the Event

Isphording admits that she barely sleeps in the days leading up to the race because of the massive planning involved. However, seeing the event come together on Thanksgiving day makes all the hard work worth it. There are 12,000 people on the starting line, each with their own story and reason for participating. Whether it's falling in love with running or enjoying time with family, the stories make the event truly special.The Thanksgiving Day Race in Cincinnati on November 28 is a day filled with excitement and community. Registration is open until race day and can be done at the race's website or on-site. The race headquarters will be at TQL Stadium, and full course maps can be seen on the website. It's a day to come together, run, and celebrate the holiday in a unique way.