Big Changes Coming to the Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race

Media Contacts:Julie Isphording, Director, Thanksgiving Day Race, [email protected], 513-241-6479Anne Sesler, FC Cincinnati, [email protected], 513-686-9192

(July 31, 2023, Cincinnati, OH) – The 114th Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race, one of the oldest and largest 10ks in the country, is making history again. The popular family tradition for thousands of runners and walkers is adding a 5k, sponsored by Total Quality Logistics. The TQL 5k is the perfect distance for just about anyone and the 10k course will now run entirely in the city of Cincinnati. And the best news of all, both events will finish on the field at TQL Stadium. Cue that finish line pose!

“We are so proud that TQL Stadium will serve as Race Headquarters, showing off our award-winning stadium to thousands of runners and walkers across the region. Our stadium’s central location will allow participants to run through historic neighborhoods like the West End and Over-the-Rhine and along the river.” said Jeff Berding, Co-CEO, FC Cincinnati. “I look forward to running the Thanksgiving Day Race with my family and encourage others to join this very fun run.”

"This traditional event is the legacy of Cincinnati,” said John Barrett, CEO of Western & Southern, title sponsor of the race. “With all these significant changes, we can bring more people together to celebrate Thanksgiving Day morning and have some fun. It will have a lasting impact on our hearts, our families, and our beautiful city.”

Mayor Aftab Pureval commented, “Each year, this is a wonderful cultural cornerstone during Cincinnati’s holiday season. I can’t wait to see residents of all ages come together and make this year’s Thanksgiving Day Race the best yet.”

“Thanksgiving Day morning is my favorite time of the year in Cincinnati,” said race director and Olympic athlete Julie Isphording, who has won the race several times and has been the director for 22 years. “The starting line is filled with thousands of happy people who know how to have fun on the run, and smile at that finish line. This year—for sure—will be the most fun ever, especially the final steps on the field at TQL Stadium to the finish line. Get excited.”

For more information on the event and to register: Thanksgivingdayrace.com

About TQL Stadium

TQL Stadium, home of FC Cincinnati, is one of the most ambitious soccer-specific stadiums in not only North America, but the world. Critically-acclaimed firm Populous designed an innovative and forward-thinking stadium that is one of the largest soccer-specific facilities in Major League Soccer. TQL Stadium has been named Best Venue at the 2022 World Football Summit in Madrid and the 2022 Prix Versailles World Title in the Sports Category in Paris, France.

The stadium has five team locker rooms, including a comprehensive team suite for FC Cincinnati that features a dressing room, coach’s office, lounge, equipment storage and the Mercy Health Center of Excellence for the team’s medical and game day fitness needs. Within the 18 months of the stadium’s completion, TQL Stadium has featured both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, including the USMNT’s FIFA World Cup Qualification match vs. Mexico, and a concert by legendary rock band, The Who.

The closest seats are within 15 feet of the pitch at the $250 million, privately funded stadium. The design includes 53 traditional suites and 4,500 premium seats throughout four premium club spaces. FC Cincinnati’s supporters’ section, The Bailey, has grown to be more than 3,100 strong and loom over opponents at a 34-degree angle at the stadium’s north end. A 360-degree canopy roof covers every seat in TQL Stadium, but still allows sufficient sun in to grow a natural grass field.