Associated Press - November 29, 2009 12:05 PM ET

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - After months of preparations, some Lincoln college students are ready to get the rat race on.

Nebraska Wesleyan University will host its annual Xtreme Rat Challenge on Dec. 8.

Psychology students have been training their rats over the past three months to run, jump, climb and compete in a variety of athletic obstacles. Winning rats are awarded gold medals and treats, while their trainers are graded based on their success.

The university has hosted the athletic competition annually since 1974.

The event is free and open to the public. A special celebration for alumni who participated in the class over the past 35 years will follow.

On the Net:

Nebraska Wesleyan University: http://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/

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