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One of the best marathons in the country, according to USA TODAY's 10Best Readers’ Choice awards, is this weekend: the Flying Pig Marathon.
Starting May 2, thousands of runners, walkers, racers and spectators will take over downtown Cincinnati for the various Flying Pig-related events, from the marathon to the Flying Piglet.
Ready to compete in the race or cheer on the brave Flying Pig participants? Here's everything you need to know.
The 27th annual Flying Pig Marathon and Paycor Half-Marathon are Sunday, May 4.
Opening ceremonies begin at 6:15 a.m., and both the marathon and half-marathon start at 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street.
The CityDash 4-Person Relay will also begin at 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street, and the Michelob Ultra Victory Party will last from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
While the 10K and 4-person relay are sold out, registration is still open for the full marathon, half-marathon, 5K, Fifty West Mile, Flying Piglet, 26th mile, PigAbilities and Flying Fur.
You can register through the Flying Pig's website, www.flyingpigmarathon.com.
The 2025 marathon will start adjacent to Paycor Stadium. Runners will cross the Taylor-Southgate Bridge into Newport first. The route will then head down Fifth Street over the Veterans Memorial Bridge into Covington before turning onto the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and returning to downtown Cincinnati.
The route then goes west on Third Street and north along the west side of downtown Cincinnati. Runners follow Seventh Street to Gilbert Avenue and then on to Eden Park Drive.The finish line, or “Finish Swine,” will be at Mehring Way along the Ohio River.
The course will maintain a continuous pace of 16 minutes per mile. Anyone who cannot maintain this pace must "move to the sidewalk as the course closes to allow regular traffic through," the event's website states.
Participants who do not reach the Frisch's Mainliner between miles 17 and 18 by 12:15 p.m. will be bussed to the Eastern Avenue section of the course.
The Paycor Half-Marathon will race with the marathon group for approximately nine miles before turning back toward downtown and ending at the marathon finish line.
Here's the schedule of events centered around the Flying Pig.
Friday, May 2
Saturday, May 3
Sunday, May 4
The Flying Pig encourages all spectators, nicknamed "Street Squeelers," to support runners as they complete the race. To help keep runners motivated, you can set up a spectator spot on a hill or more challenging section of the course, cheer, make signs, play music and have a party with friends and neighbors if the course travels past your area.
Do not crowd runners by standing in the street, especially in the earlier miles, as it may cause a backup for runners and make the marathon more difficult. Be sure to stay to cheer on runners in the back of the pack, not just the first few who pass through your area.
It's also important to be prepared for the weather, as it may be cool in the morning and warm up by noon.
Looking for a Flying Pig watch party? The following restaurants are offering viewing opportunities with specials and entertainment.
The Flying Pig website, flyingpigmarathon.com, also has a list of party zones offering complimentary snacks and refreshments for spectators.
Roads around downtown Cincinnati will close the weekend of the Flying Pig, so be sure to take those into account when looking for parking. It will be busy, and traffic will likely be heavy on Sunday morning of the race, so give yourself ample time to travel, find parking, use baggage buses and restrooms, and find your corral.
Visit Cincinnati.com for a list of roads scheduled to close this weekend.
Here are some parking lots and prices if you decide to park near the race:
Some street parking will be available around downtown Cincinnati and in Northern Kentucky in Covington and Newport.
Due to construction at Duke Energy Center, this year's packet pickup will take place at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, with early packet pickups being held at the Crossroads Church in Oakley.
The packet pickup schedule at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, 1 W. Rivercenter Blvd. in Covington, is as follows:
Thursday, May 1, through Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
Saturday, May 3, from 5-6 p.m.:
Tank will offer shuttle services to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center to help marathon participants travel to and from packet pickup. The shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 1-3. Riders can catch the shuttle at designated Tank stops in downtown Cincinnati (just look for the pig nose signs).
Pick-up and drop-off will be available at the following locations:
Marathon participants living or staying in Newport and Bellevue can take the Southbank Shuttle to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center for packet pickup for just $2 per trip. The drop-off spot to get to the convention center will be at the Covington Transit Center.
The Enquirer's Kaycee Sloan contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Flying Pig Marathon: Schedule, route, parking, watch parties, more
Continue reading...
Starting May 2, thousands of runners, walkers, racers and spectators will take over downtown Cincinnati for the various Flying Pig-related events, from the marathon to the Flying Piglet.
Ready to compete in the race or cheer on the brave Flying Pig participants? Here's everything you need to know.
You must be registered for see images
When is the Flying Pig Marathon 2025?
The 27th annual Flying Pig Marathon and Paycor Half-Marathon are Sunday, May 4.
Opening ceremonies begin at 6:15 a.m., and both the marathon and half-marathon start at 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street.
The CityDash 4-Person Relay will also begin at 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street, and the Michelob Ultra Victory Party will last from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
How to register for the Flying Pig
While the 10K and 4-person relay are sold out, registration is still open for the full marathon, half-marathon, 5K, Fifty West Mile, Flying Piglet, 26th mile, PigAbilities and Flying Fur.
You can register through the Flying Pig's website, www.flyingpigmarathon.com.
You must be registered for see images attach
Flying Pig Marathon and Paycor Half-Marathon 2025 course routes
The 2025 marathon will start adjacent to Paycor Stadium. Runners will cross the Taylor-Southgate Bridge into Newport first. The route will then head down Fifth Street over the Veterans Memorial Bridge into Covington before turning onto the Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and returning to downtown Cincinnati.
The route then goes west on Third Street and north along the west side of downtown Cincinnati. Runners follow Seventh Street to Gilbert Avenue and then on to Eden Park Drive.The finish line, or “Finish Swine,” will be at Mehring Way along the Ohio River.
The course will maintain a continuous pace of 16 minutes per mile. Anyone who cannot maintain this pace must "move to the sidewalk as the course closes to allow regular traffic through," the event's website states.
Participants who do not reach the Frisch's Mainliner between miles 17 and 18 by 12:15 p.m. will be bussed to the Eastern Avenue section of the course.
The Paycor Half-Marathon will race with the marathon group for approximately nine miles before turning back toward downtown and ending at the marathon finish line.
Flying Pig schedule
Here's the schedule of events centered around the Flying Pig.
Friday, May 2
- P&G Health & Fitness Expo: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.
- 50 West Mile: 7 p.m. at the West Pete Rose Way.
Saturday, May 3
- Toyota 10K: 7 a.m. at Mehring Way.
- Family Fun Festival: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
- Queen City Running 5K: 9 a.m. at Mehring Way.
- First Watch Flying Piglet: 10 a.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
- P&G Health & Fitness Expo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.
- BounceFlying Fur: 11 a.m. at Mehring Way.
- The 26th Mile: Noon at Freedom Way.
- Goodwill PigAbilities: 1 p.m. at Freedom Way.
Sunday, May 4
- Opening Ceremonies: 6:15 a.m. on Elm Street at Freedom Way.
- Flying Pig Marathon: 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street.
- Paycor Half-Marathon: 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street.
- CityDash 4-Person Relay: 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street.
- Michelob Ultra Victory Party: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
How to watch the Flying Pig
The Flying Pig encourages all spectators, nicknamed "Street Squeelers," to support runners as they complete the race. To help keep runners motivated, you can set up a spectator spot on a hill or more challenging section of the course, cheer, make signs, play music and have a party with friends and neighbors if the course travels past your area.
Do not crowd runners by standing in the street, especially in the earlier miles, as it may cause a backup for runners and make the marathon more difficult. Be sure to stay to cheer on runners in the back of the pack, not just the first few who pass through your area.
It's also important to be prepared for the weather, as it may be cool in the morning and warm up by noon.
Looking for a Flying Pig watch party? The following restaurants are offering viewing opportunities with specials and entertainment.
- Moerlein Lager House: Opens at 6 a.m. for a breakfast buffet. Brunch service will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call or visit its website, moerleinlagerhouse.com, to make a reservation. 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown.
- Fulton Yards Coffeehouse & Spirits: Visit Fulton Yards for a special Flying Pig Latte and live music. 3301 Riverside Dr., East End.
- Streetside Brewery: Located near mile 21.5, Streetside Brewery will open early with live music and food trucks. 4003 Eastern Ave., East End.
- E+O Kitchen: The Banks location will open at 5 a.m. May 2-4, selling coffee and parties. Brunch service will begin at 8 a.m. Flying Pig spectators and participants will also receive a 20% discount. 56 W. Freedom Way, The Banks.
- Hammer & Nails: Hyde Park - Free VIP Facial (10-15 minutes). Come experience some relaxation, beverages, and a spot to watch some of the race, live and on TV.
The Flying Pig website, flyingpigmarathon.com, also has a list of party zones offering complimentary snacks and refreshments for spectators.
You must be registered for see images attach
Parking for the Flying Pig
Roads around downtown Cincinnati will close the weekend of the Flying Pig, so be sure to take those into account when looking for parking. It will be busy, and traffic will likely be heavy on Sunday morning of the race, so give yourself ample time to travel, find parking, use baggage buses and restrooms, and find your corral.
Visit Cincinnati.com for a list of roads scheduled to close this weekend.
Here are some parking lots and prices if you decide to park near the race:
- Lot A, 226 Central Ave.: $5. This lot will be staffed for entry from 5-10 a.m. Saturday and 4-7 a.m. Sunday.
- Central Riverfront Garage, 99 E. Second St. (Entrances on Race Street, West Pete Rose Way and Main Street/Joe Nuxhall Way): $5 if you arrive between 5-10 a.m. Saturday and 4-9 a.m. Sunday. Please have a credit card ready and available to use upon entry.
- Central Riverfront Garage West: $23 on Friday.
- Lot E, 297 W. Mehring Way: $16 on Friday. Make sure to pay through the Metropolis App.
- Parking lots on Eggleston Avenue (1.5 miles from the start line) near relay shuttle buses.
Some street parking will be available around downtown Cincinnati and in Northern Kentucky in Covington and Newport.
You must be registered for see images
Flying Pig packet pickup location
Due to construction at Duke Energy Center, this year's packet pickup will take place at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, with early packet pickups being held at the Crossroads Church in Oakley.
The packet pickup schedule at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, 1 W. Rivercenter Blvd. in Covington, is as follows:
Thursday, May 1, through Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- Full marathon
- Half marathon
- Relay
- Challenge packet pick up and vendors
Saturday, May 3, from 5-6 p.m.:
- Full marathon
- Half marathon
- Relay
- Challenge packet pick up only
Tank will offer shuttle services to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center to help marathon participants travel to and from packet pickup. The shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 1-3. Riders can catch the shuttle at designated Tank stops in downtown Cincinnati (just look for the pig nose signs).
Pick-up and drop-off will be available at the following locations:
- Fifth and Vine streets.
- Fifth and Main streets (Government Square).
- Fifth and Lawrence streets.
Marathon participants living or staying in Newport and Bellevue can take the Southbank Shuttle to the Northern Kentucky Convention Center for packet pickup for just $2 per trip. The drop-off spot to get to the convention center will be at the Covington Transit Center.
You must be registered for see images
The Enquirer's Kaycee Sloan contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Flying Pig Marathon: Schedule, route, parking, watch parties, more
Continue reading...
