Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Hometown marathon, has the energy of Chicago or Boston, gets bigger every year.
Corrals are a suggestion, it was so big this year, hopefully they will spread out the rolling start next year.
Ran it in 2017 and 2019 and it wasn’t nearly as big. I drive in and park in northern Kentucky and walk across the suspension bridge.
Great runner energy all weekend in the city.
It's not a PR course, but it is memorable and so much fun.
Scenic and Hilly, awesome fans and bacon to go.
Hill training.
Park downtown.
Oh boy. I love this event and look forward to this weekend every year. The heat and humidity humbled me this year. It was close 65 at start and sticky. I think when I crossed the finish it was mid 70’s. Despite my poor performance, the event was executed without flaws.
Expo is always smooth & easy. Race day morning easy to navigate, plenty of restrooms and corrals set up well. Fluid stations did a great job given the heat. Towards the end there were plenty of hoses available to spray you down if needed. Cold wet towels at mile 23 was perfect! The final push was thrilling. Once you turn onto Mehring the pain and frustration goes away, as the crowd support intensifies. Felt like a champion crossing the line even though I had a tough day.
This is a race you need to do. The course is challenging. The event is well run and the goodies you get are the best; medal, shirt, poster, magnet, gym bag. If you like swag, the Pigs got you covered.
Hills first 9 miles, plan accordingly.
It was a well organized and fun marathon. No shortage of aid stations with your standard water, Gatorade and couple gu stations late. There was it seemed an equal number of roque aid stations offering everything from gummy treats, cookies, oranges, bacon and beer. Yes you read right beer. Was offered one full can once and a cup at 2 others. It was hot and midway red flagged. But I prefer that personally than rain. Good expo and crowd support. The course it self is very challenging the first 9 miles is a climb. After that it seems more slightly down than up. Lots of city support and 10 K and fun runs day before
It's a fairly early start 6:30 am. Go out a little conservative but if your prepared a negative split is possible. It's large numbers but after couple miles it's good. Never alone
I stayed at the Westin,walkable to start,finish and city sights.
There were aid stations every mile and cheer stations filled with enthusiastic people every two miles or so. Top notch event. I highly recommend.
The first half or so is pretty hilly especially with a long uphill from mile 6 to 7.5 or so. Conserve your energy early especially because the half runners are still with you and the course is crowded. Second half is rolling hills. You can get some time back on these downhills.
Stayed in the hotel in Covington across the bridge. Its a mile and half to the starting line (and back) which is no big deal. This is a big race, so plan to get to your corral and port-a-pot with plenty of time before start, as it starts on time and the corrals really aren't delayed. If you want to PR, make sure to get in the proper corral as there are lots of half marathon runners, and it would be hard to speed up to your pace if you're in a slower corral because there are so many runners. Course gets narrow in points, too.
The Pig is my home course and I love it. This year we had unusually heavy rain for first 6-8 miles. Heard there was a shelter in place warning given at some point. Didn't know about it until after. I'm very happy they elected to let us run.
It's a great course, well run event and definitely one you should put on the list.
Hills first 8-9 miles don't go out too fast. Rolling hills beyond that. Great support from crowd most of the way.
Without a doubt, the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon is one of the best events in the country. There is NOTHING race organizers have not considered in making the race enjoyable for all (racers and spectators).
Yes, the course is very challenging, but it is beautiful and well laid out with each feature of the course set-up very well. It is NOT a "one trick pony" or monotonous, but loaded with variety that will test all facets of running and endurance prowess.
Be disciplined in maintaining pace strategy. Enjoy the crowd support, it is awesome!
Stay downtown/host hotel if possible, easy walking to start finish area.
I loved everything about this race except for the emoji theme. Excellent organization and support. Loved the pacers. Beautiful scenic course.
Definitely find a pacer and stick with them! I wasn't ready for the hills in Cincinnati but our experienced pacers kept us from going too hard on the hills, and led me to achieve a personal record several minutes below my goal time.
Book your hotel early, or try an Airbnb! We saved a lot of money by renting an apartment through Airbnb, plus had a lot more space and amenities than a hotel offers.
This was my 9th marathon, previous ones: Chicago (3x), Boston, IL Marathon, St. Louis, Houston & Buffalo. This was by far the funnest one of them all. For a mid-sized marathon the course support is pretty amazing & the pig theme is kept through everywhere.
The course is challenging through about 9 with a few good hills. After that it's mostly rolling but more down than up. You reach the highest point on mile 8 with an awesome view of the city. There are a couple miles where are you REALLY running down & it's a great opportunity to get going after the hills.
The race has way more aid stations than other races mainly because it's sponsored by Proctor & Gamble. Course is descently tough, crowd & race support awesome, would do it again in a heart-beat!
I ended up running a PR despite it being the hilliest marathon I've done. I kept it relaxed & controlled until I got through the hills after about 9. On miles 10 & 11 it's nothing but downhill followed by a little up on 12 & a HUGE downhill on 13 (-144ft). I dropped my pace on mile 10 & was strong all the way through 21. Once you hit 19 or so you get onto the interstate & crowd support wavers until about 24.
Super fun course FULL spectators, bridges, great views, pig costumes and Elvis is even there. What's not to love?
Lots of great deals on hotels downtown (cheaper than the race hotels if you check sites). Easy walking. Get some graeter's ice cream!
Great marathon. Amazing support from fans and volunteers. Expo was great and the people of Cincinnati really support this race. Terrific course with some amazing views of the City. Loved going into Kentucky in first few miles.
2014 Finisher (Marathon #11)
Course: Challenging hilly course
Expo: Excellent
Spectators: Good / Excellent (20-25, not much easy spectator access)
Organization: Excellent (from greeters at the airport to volunteers at the finish, incredible job). Use of Paul Brown restrooms prior to start was nice too.
Weather: Excellent (50F at the beginning, never got above 65)
Extras: Poster, shirt, medal
Hills.
Downtown race offers plenty of parking options prior to race, and plenty of eating options afterward.
Super well organized. Great shirts and Premiums. Best cheering crowd anywhere !
Be ready for some hills, especially the first 8 miles. Pace yourself slower in the beginning because of the hills. You can make up the time in the second half.
Challenging yet manageable route. Extremely well coordinated The BEST crowd support for any run I've done. Love the Squealers!!
Train for hills!
LOVE this race. It is a fun, upbeat, challenging, but supportive, scenic race! Cincinnati is very supportive of this race and the spectators are awesome!
There are some hills, so make sure to train accordingly!
Hotels book fast- so snag one early.
Great course; organizers and support are excellent. 2012 saw one of the warmest starts to the race, and organizers were prepared. They were able to ADD aid stations to assist runners, especially for the full distance.
Gilbert Hill, the largest climb, is early in the race - and everyone, half and full marathoners, climb it. The rest of the course is easier after that hill - and the views of the Ohio River will be waiting for you.
There is a point where they ask spectators to separate from participants, so your family/friends won't necessarily be standing right outside your starting corral.
Most of the hotels in downtown Cincinnati are in older buildings. We stayed at one of the race partner hotels, and had a pleasant stay. Yes, it was an older hotel, but it met all our needs (close to expo, and start/finish area; hey, we're runners - we don't mind walking!). If you are looking to stay at a more modern hotel, be prepared to drive and navigate downtown. Various distances, as well as kids' races, take place during the entire weekend.