Heard on the Radio: Running of the Rodents

You wouldn't know it by the weather around here these days (It's mid-April and they're still talking of snow), but in Louisville they're getting the hats and Mint Julips ready. That means that the "Running of the Roses", the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner.

But few know that the Derby is not the only race in town.

Mark Walsh at XM Satellite Radio's Left Jab (Channel 167 - leftjabradio.com) hosted a "Hidden America" segment on the Running of the Rodents, an annual event at Spalding University in Louisville.

Begun in 1972 by a science professor at the university, the annual race marks the start of Derby Season locally, and is part of Rat Week on campus.

We spoke with Dr. Richard Hudson, Dean of Students at Spalding University. He provided some insight about the event, and history and color. By the way, though you cannot bring your own mouse, you can participate in some of the other Rat Week events - including the Rodent Parade, the Rat Hat Contest and the Fruit Loop Eating Contest (Mice seem to love this colored cereal).

For more, visit XM Radio Channel 167 Saturday, April 14 at 1 pm, repeated on Sunday April 15 at 2 pm or visit leftjabradio.com when the program is posted for podcast.