The Rat Race is real at Spalding University's Running of the Rodents

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's Spalding University celebrates the 51th annual Running of the Rodents.

WDRB's Keith Kaiser joined some organizers before the spectacle closes out Rat Week.

One of Spalding’s proudest and most fun campus traditions, the annual Running of the Rodents, was created by Sister Julia Clare Fontaine after overhearing a student complain about the “rat race” of finals.

Since its inception in 1973, the Running of the Rodents has been a fun-filled tradition to help students reduce stress, teach them about animal care and how to use behavior modification techniques.

Over the years, the Running of the Rodents has received much attention, 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 Rodent Derby in 1.8 seconds.

Spalding University's Rat Week 2024 - April 8th through 11th

This year's theme "Barbie" Life in Plastic, It's Rat-tastic!

April 8th:

Eclipse Viewing Party

April 9th:

Cafe Karaoke

April 10th:

Voter Registration Drive / Meet your Rats

April 11th:

51th Annual Running of the Rodents 11:00 AM

Spalding University, College Street Ballroom