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Flying Pig Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Race Date: 05/02/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Flying Pig Marathon Description
The Flying Pig Marathon is one of the country’s largest and most beloved race weekends, drawing tens of thousands to Cincinnati each May for a genuinely hilly, Boston-qualifying tour through Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, and several historic neighborhoods. A long, stair-step climb around mile 5 gives way to a net-downhill final 10K back toward the riverfront, finishing at Smale Riverfront Park to legendary crowd support. The half marathon shares the course for its first nine miles before splitting off toward the same finish. Pace groups help runners of every level tackle Cincinnati’s signature hills.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Flying Pig Marathon Additional Details:
The finisher medal wears the race’s mascot proudly: a cartoon pig in a tiny laurel wreath on the front, with an actual curly tail sculpted onto the back, a playful touch that matches Cincinnati’s old “Porkopolis” nickname. Official aid stations show up every mile with water, Gatorade, and gels, but the real local flavor comes from the unofficial “rogue” stations residents set up along the route, handing out bacon, beer, cookies, gummy candy, and whatever else the neighborhood decided to grill or bake that morning. Cheer stations packed with costumed spectators appear roughly every two miles, and the pig theme carries through nearly every part of race weekend, from expo signage to course decor. Locals treat this race as a point of civic pride, and it shows in a crowd energy regulars say rivals races twice its size.
Course Information
Profile: Hilly
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 10,000+
Marathon: 4,600 to 4,700
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 946 ft (288 m)
Elevation Loss: 939 ft (286 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 55°F
- High: 73°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Cincinnati, OH, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Food & Drink
Findlay Market
Browse fresh produce, meats, and ethnic foods at Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market — a lively, low-impact way to refuel after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Eden Park
Explore Mirror Lake and easy hiking trails at Eden Park, Cincinnati’s historic hilltop park — a shaded, low-impact way to spend a rest day after race weekend.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Spend an easy day at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the oldest zoos in the country — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Sports & Entertainment
The Banks
Grab a bite or play an escape game at The Banks, the entertainment district across from Great American Ball Park — a relaxed, low-impact evening option after race day.
Shopping
Over-the-Rhine Shops
Browse boutiques like Artichoke and Rookwood Pottery in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood near Findlay Market — an easy, flat, walkable stroll after race weekend.
Landmark
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Learn the stories of the Underground Railroad at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the riverfront — an easy, moving, indoor stop for tired legs.
Museums & History
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Tour the art deco Union Terminal building, home to the Cincinnati Museum Center and its History Museum — an easy, air-conditioned indoor stop for recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
Cincinnati Art Museum
See centuries of art at the Cincinnati Art Museum inside Eden Park — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper or recovery day after your race.
Outdoors & Trails
Ohio River Riverwalk
Walk the three-mile Riverwalk along the Ohio River for great views of the Cincinnati skyline — a flat, easy option for tapering or recovering legs after race day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Flying Pig Marathon
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Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Other Races In Ohio
Boston Qualifier: No
World Major Qualifier: No
Western States 100: Yes
UTMB Index: No