The Flying Pig is a popular race for several good reasons. In Cincinnati, they take the pig theme seriously. People dress in pig or pig-related costumes, as do spectators. Some of the aid stations are themed, and there are pig statues at the expo and the finish area, great for using in photographs. The expo was good, though the flow from bib pick-up to the t-shirt area could have been more clear and better marked. This year's shirt was themed for the All Star baseball game, which will be in Cincinnati. It looked more like a baseball shirt than a race shirt with an existing and very popular pig theme, so that was a minor disappointment. But we also got a nice poster and a small backpack at packet pick-up. Not too shabby. The race itself was very well organized and ran from downtown Cincy across the river to Kentucky, and back. I enjoyed the bridges and the views. And then, we had a few miles of uphill climbing. I knew this going in, and it was definitely a challenge. Once we reached the top of the hill, we had a few miles of downhill running to get back downtown (with some good skyline views in some spots) and to the finish line. The course was nice, but I would like to have gone through some of the college campuses and some more historic neighborhoods. Aid stations were frequent, and had not only water and sports drink, but toward the end they had oranges and various kinds of sugary candy, great for a late-race pick me up. The spectators at the finish area were motivational, and once crossing the line, we received an awesome pig medal and a ton of post-race snacks and drinks. Really...lots of good stuff at the finish. There were very few drawbacks to this race. I recommend it to anyone...just be prepared for the big, long hill.

As a local, I have run the Cherry Blossom several times. The weather at this time of year in DC can vary, but the 2015 weather was just about perfect, while the cherry blossoms were at their peak. It's important to know that Washington DC is going to be crowded this time of year for the Cherry Blossom Festival and for this very large 10 mile race. Visitors are encouraged to rely on the Metro system and not try to drive and park for this race. This year's Cherry Blossom had some notable speakers at the expo, such as famous marathoner Bill Rodgers. There was also a great selection of vendors and official race merchandise.

Waiting for the race to start on the National Mall, the race organizers made an announcement. Unfortunately, the course was going to be short about a half mile due to a last minute reroute because of a traffic accident on the course. This was too bad, but it was good to receive this communication ahead of time. The course was excellent, as usual, even with the reroute. We ran past national monuments, the Potomac River, and traveled among the hundreds of Cherry Blossoms in peak bloom. Carrying a smartphone or small camera at this race is a must, as there are so many great photo ops.

The aid stations were adequately spaced and staffed with enthusiastic volunteers, as well as medical support. Something noteworthy is that I saw medical volunteers actually running the course with the participants. They carried basic first aid supplies and could assist with medical issues in between the aid stations. I've seen bike medical staff at other races, but never medical runners. Pretty cool!

There are several good spectating areas on this course, and the spectators are awesome and encouraging, especially in the last stretch up a steep hill to the finish line. The finish next to the Washington Monument is inspiring. Post-race, one thing that disappointed me about this race is that there was not enough food left for slower runners. After my finish I had to visit the medical tent due to a scraped up knee. I was able to get a bottle of water, but the food was either gone or had been packed up when I left the medical tent. The food disappeared early last year too. The food table should be accessible only by runners wearing a race bib. As it is, the open layout of the tables means that anyone (friends, family, spectators, etc.) can take food, even if they're not registered runners. That's about the only problem with this race.

The price point for the Cherry Blossom is great. It's a very reasonable cost for a popular, big city race with excellent race organization. The default t-shirt for the event is cotton, but during registration runners can pay an extra fee to upgrade to a tech fabric shirt in gender-specific sizing. You can also pay extra for a finisher medal during registration. The medal is a fairly new offering, undoubtedly added to satisfy the increasing demands for "race bling" by runners. The Cherry Blossom medal is well designed and matches the theme of the t-shirt.

This race is worth traveling to at least once. Entry is through a lottery drawing, but there is a transfer program, so it's often possible to register that way, even if initially denied entry via the lottery. Come to DC and run the Cherry Blossom!

I've run Grandma's twice, but I'm referring to the 2012 race for this review. First of all, I'll mention that if you're traveling to Duluth from out of town, book your hotel early! Room rates in this area are high for marathon weekend, and availability is tight the closer you get to race weekend. That said, no hotels are very far of a drive from the race expo and start/finish area. There are shuttle buses (or a train) to the start area for this point-to-point course. Buses are frequent and there is more than one pick-up location in town. A little planning is required, but the logistics are well organized.

The expo has lots of samples of food and beverages, and vendors selling all those last-minute things you may have left behind. The pasta dinner is co-located with the expo. My friends and I did the pasta dinner, and I have to say it is only so-so. If you're a foodie, don't do it. If you don't really care, than it's convenient and you can purchase beer and wine for an additional fee.

The marathon itself is really quite awesome. If the weather cooperates, like it did in 2012, there is a fabulous view of Lake Superior for several miles. The course is not completely flat, but it's fairly flat and is known to be a fast course where many people PR. I PR'd in 2012, and I wasn't even trying.

Aid stations are frequent enough, and you'll even pass an independent candy shop on the marathon course, which just might be open for business. There are lots of full marathon runners, so there's always someone near you. Around about Mile 19, the course heads into Duluth near a college campus. The students and other spectators are lots of fun, play upbeat music, and sometimes have treats for runners. This part of the course is very energizing and gave me my second wind. It was then that I looked at my watch, did some quick calculations, and knew that I could PR as long as I kept up my pace.

There is a nasty hill in the last couple miles, but then you run through downtown Duluth, which is scenic and has lots of spectators. After crossing the finish line, runners get their medal and finisher t-shirt (that's right, Grandma's does not give shirts at the expo…you have to earn yours). There was a good variety of post-race food and drinks available within the finish chute for runners only. This race really takes care of its runners. There is also a great beer tent, but I didn't visit it in 2012. Shortly after I finished (with nice weather the whole 26.2 miles), sudden rain showers erupted. I felt bad for the runners who were still out there on the course in the rain, but I chose to skip the beer and get back to my hotel.

I really enjoyed Grandma's Marathon weekend. I earned an unexpected PR. I saw Lake Superior for the first time. I was treated to a very well-organized race. And I made new friends. Highly recommended!