Flying Pig Marathon

Flying Pig Marathon

Flying Pig Marathon

( 86 reviews )
98% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Cincinnati,
    Ohio,
    United States
  • May
  • 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon, Relay
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Removed User

2016
"I Like Pig Hills and I Cannot Lie"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Removed User's thoughts:

If you only read one sentence of this review read this: Everyone who says "all the hills are in the beginning of the marathon" is lying to you.

The review in detail: The Expo. Incredible. So. Much. Swag. My goodie bag is overfilled. Lots of great vendors with discount gear and lots of cute flying pig themed gear (I got a winged pig Sweatybands). One of the recommended hotels was connected to the expo, so it was really easy to get to for me since that's where I stayed, but it was right downtown and near the start line as well.

Race Management. Their Twitter account was on point with weather updates and very responsive. 2 days out it looked like we'd be running in a thunderstorm and they were responding to everyone's questions about weather procedures. Great job on that front. Thankfully none of the emergency procedures had to be put into play because mother nature smiled on us. Also, major kudos to the Spot On Pace Teams. Great energy with the 4:20 crew (thanks Susan and Elizabeth!)

The course. Fantastic. We got sunrise views of the Ohio River going over the Taylor Southgate Bridge into KY, and then again more views coming back into OH on the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge. And yet more gorgeous views of the river at the top of the climb to Eden Park. Then the route started winding through neighborhoods, so you got to look at homes and cute little towns where the residents came out to cheer you on. Yes, the major climb happens from ~ mile 6 to ~ mile 8.5, and in looking at the elevation profile it seems to just be downhill from there. The truth is the rest of the course is a rolling net downhill course, with a final couple bumps in the last mile that make you want to cry (a la Mt. Roosevelt for anyone who runs Chicago). Though the rolling hills are less elevation gain/loss than the major climb, the cumulative miles at that point on the course make the 80' gain around mile 14 and the 50' gain around mile 18 feel worse.

Side note: If you're running more for fun there is A LOT to eat and experience on course, from a bacon station, graHAM cracker station, Twizzlers, Swedish Fish, beer (unsanctioned beer mile at 14)...the city of Cincinnati loves this marathon and they make it really fun.

My only critique is that some aid stations had water in Gatorade cups and vice versa. But just confirm with the volunteer (or "Grunt") what they're handing you and you won't get surprised. Other than that, go forth and conquer some hills, the Finish Swine will be that much sweeter.

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