LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The 51st annual Running of the Rodents returned to Spalding University.

Cristiano Rat-naldo was this year's winner, beating all of his competitors to the finish line. The winner gets a tiny trophy and a garland of fruit cereal. 

Other contestants included were Ameoba, Alan (in honor of the character from Barbie), and Flojo.

This year’s race was particularly special for Tori Murden McClure, the current university president set to retire in June 2024.

The event was created by Sister Julia Clare Fontaine after overhearing a student complain about the “rat race” of finals. It is one of Spalding's proudest traditions of campus to the students and staff.

The race is ran during Spalding's "Rat Week," where students and staff at the school participate in scavenger hunts, contests and a field day. This year's theme was "Barbie" Life in Plastic, It's Rat-tastic!"

This year's week of events kicked off with a special Solar Eclipse viewing on Monday, followed with Karaoke on Tuesday and a Voter Registration Drive on Wednesday.

Over the years, the Running of the Rodents has received attention from all over, with segments airing on national news syndicates as well as BBC London, BBC Mexico and BBC Canada.

"Trivial Pursuit" coined the race as “The Most Exciting Two Seconds in Sports” after 1987’s rat, Deep Throat, won the race in 1.8 seconds.

More coverage of events leading up to Kentucky Derby 150:

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