If the trend continues, Thursday's 91st running of the Thanksgiving Day Race will break the 7,000-runner barrier.

        The race broke 4,000 (4,747) for the first time three years ago, 5,000 (5,307) two years ago, and 6,000 (6,189) last year.

        The race, the oldest continuous race in the Midwest and sixth-oldest in the country, starts at 9 a.m. at Latonia Plaza. It ends 10-kilometers (6.2 miles) later at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center.

        “It seems to be getting a little bigger each year,” said Bob Roncker, one of the sponsors of the race and a participant.

        Roncker first ran the Thanksgiving Day Race as a UC freshman in 1961. He was one of 28 in the field.

        “It was UC versus Miami then,” Roncker said. “In those days, runners were a) male, b) in school and c) a competitive runner.”

        This year, the field will be split fairly evenly between males and females of all ages, and few are competitive runners.

        “It brings out what I call "closet' racers,” Roncker said. “People who run in one or two races a year. I guess I'm one of them now. But this is a race I like to participate in. I have a lot of great memories.”

        Roncker's Running Spot store in O'Bryonville is where runners register — you can do so until 7 p.m. today — and the unofficial race headquarters.

        “It's our busiest time of year,” Roncker said. “It's like a homecoming. We have food. We try to make it fun.”

        Cincinnati's top runner, John Sence, will run today. He skipped last year's race to concentrate on training.

        The women's defending champion, Jill Tranter, also is expected to run.
       If you go

        • What: The 91st Thanksgiving Day, the 6th oldest continuous race in the U.S.

        • When: Thursday, 9 a.m. start

        • Where: Begins at Latonia Shopping Center, ends at Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center

        • Distance: (6.2 miles)

        • Tip: Park downtown and take a free shuttle to the starting line. Shuttles start a 7 a.m.

        • Registration: $15 today until 7 p.m., Running Spot, 1993 Madison Rd., O'Bryonville. $20 begining at 6:30 a.m., convention center.

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