Biking at the Lunken Airport trail is a popular activity. (Photo by Sarah Knott)
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In order to work off all the Skyline we eat, Cincinnatians have to stay active. Here are a few of the choice athletic spots--to participate OR spectate.

Run in the Mini: March 25, downtown. Join in on Cincinnati's running craze and participate in the Cincinnati Heart Mini-Marathon. The 5K and 15K begin and end at Fountain Square and benefit the Heart Foundation. (513) 281-4048.

See a regatta: Rowing is exciting and a worthy part of local culture, says one 'Simply Cincy' reader. "Take in one of the three local rowing regattas held every spring at East Fork State Park," she writes. "Rowing is not just on the East Coast!"

See a game at the Cintas Center: Xavier University. The Xavier men's and women's basketball teams play in the new, 300,000-square-foot, $44 million dollar convention center. Quite a change from the Gardens, eh? (513) 745-3900

Watch tennis: Tennis Masters Series, Mason. Tennis pros come to Cincinnati for the Series tournament every August. Approximately 170,000 Cincinnatians show during the week-long event. (513) 651-0303.

Ski Cincinnati: Cincinnati is within a few hours drive of three decent ski resorts. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing...create your own winter adventure in southern Ohio. More about the skiing near Cincinnati.

Take in a Stuff game: Professional basketball hasn't seen Cincinnati since 1972, but these guys are the next best thing. The 2000-2001 season is only their second season. More about the Cincinnati Stuff.

Watch the Turkey Bowl: Deer Park High School football stadium, 8351 Plainfield Rd. This 39-year-old football tradition pits the St. Saviour Golden Bears against St. John the Evangelist Eagles--two junior high football teams playing for bragging rights on Thanksgiving Day. It's a big game. More about the Turkey Bowl.

Be mad at the Bengals online: Surf the Web and see how others are coping with our city's football angst. Check out SavetheBengals.com or MikeBrownsucks.com. Read more about these sites.

Play frisbee golf in the Tristate: Cincinnati has a strong disc golf following. Few nice days are left, so take advantage and check out one several world class courses. Find a course

See a Mighty Ducks hockey game at the Gardens: Opened in 1949, the Cincinnati Gardens building is old but holds lots of character and history. And what town can boast not one, but two minor league hockey teams? See the Cyclones, too, at the Firstar Center. More info on Cincinnati hockey

Watch (or enter) the Hoinke Classic: Western Bowl 6383 Glenway, Western Hills. It's the "largest, privately-owned non-professional bowling tournament in the world," and it's held in Cincinnati. Since 1943, the Hoinke Classic has attracted amateur bowlers from across the United States. First prize is $50,000 and a championship diamond ring, but there are plenty of ways to win lesser amounts. 800-543-4010 or 574-2200.

Pick a side for the Bengals-Browns showdown: It's an intra-Ohio football tradition: Bengals vs. Browns. Of course, if you live in here, your team-of-choice should be obvious--but there are rumors of Browns fans habitating in Cincinnati.

Cross-Town Shoot-out: If you can get tickets, this December basketball game matches the University of Cincinnati Bearcats against the Xavier Muskies. And everyone gets involved. Last year, Xavier upset the top-ranked Bearcats.

Bike/hike/walk/blade the Loveland Trail - This rails-to-trails route runs from Milford to Springfield (69.3 miles) through the Little Miami State Park. The popular southern section gets crowded, but regulars rave about its scenery and historical value.

Play a round of golf at Shaker Run Golf Club - 4361 Greentree Rd., Lebanon - One of the best public golf courses in Ohio. 800-721-0007.

Mingle at the Thanksgiving Day 10K - "I think everyone in Cincinnati should -- at least once -- attend the annual Thanksgiving Day 10k Run/Walk," says a Cincinnatian. One of the oldest races in the Midwest, the 10K is a tradition to some. "Even if they do not participate," he adds, suggesting a crowd appeal. "It was really something to run across the Taylor Southgate Bridge on that beautiful, crisp day. The sights and views were tremendous!"

See an Elder/Moeller football game: - Sometime this fall, witness THE premier high school football game; what one reader called "the fiercest rivalry outside of Bengals/Browns."

Bike/hike/blade Lunken trail - Sitting off off Beechmont Ave., Lunken is a flat six-mile trail that circles the tiny airport. It's crowded, but not so much that you can't enjoy your workout.

Buy red seats at Cinergy Field - A charm of Cincinnati baseball: deciding to go to a game 15 minutes prior to the first pitch and only have to pay $5 for a seat.