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This past weekend, more than 45,000 runners and walkers crossed start lines, finish swines, bridges, and neighborhoods as part of the Flying Pig Marathon. But what makes the Flying Pig truly remarkable is not just the scale of participation or the miles covered. It is the spirit of a community that shows up, year after year, to carry every participant forward.
To the residents of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: Thank you. You welcomed athletes from all 50 states and 31 countries with open arms. You cheered from the sidewalks before sunrise. You handed out water, rang cowbells, chalked sidewalks, and turned ordinary streets into something unforgettable.
More: See Flying Pig Marathon results in our searchable database
Every participant arrives with a story or a pig tale. Some trained for months to improve their health. Others ran in honor of a loved one or to raise funds for a cause that matters deeply to them. Many were first-timers, chasing a personal milestone. Others were seasoned runners returning to a race that has become part of their life story.
The Flying Pig is not just a race. It is a collection of tens of thousands of personal journeys converging here, in our region.
And because of you, those journeys feel seen.
The impact extends well beyond the course. The Flying Pig generates nearly $50 million annually in economic impact, filling hotels, restaurants, and small businesses across the region. It brings national and international attention to our community and reinforces what we already know: This is a place that knows how to host, how to celebrate, and how to bring people together.
More: Mike DeWine's grandson ran in Flying Pig Marathon. See where he placed
But the true return is measured in something more meaningful than dollars.
It is in the 8,000 volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart. It is in the charities that benefit from the generosity of participants and supporters. It is in the families who line the streets and inspire runners to take one more step. It is in the sense of pride that comes from being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Events like the Flying Pig remind us of what is possible when a community aligns around a shared purpose. They remind us that health and wellness matter. That connection matters. That showing up for one another matters.
As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same. To continue delivering a world-class event. To expand opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate. To deepen our partnerships with charities and community organizations. And to ensure that the Flying Pig continues to be a source of pride for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for generations to come.
To everyone who hosted, volunteered, cheered, supported, and participated: Thank you for making this year’s Flying Pig one for the record books.
Doug Olberding is the CEO of Pig Works, the nonprofit organization that produces the Flying Pig Marathon, the Queen Bee Half, the TQL Beer Series and the FCC3 .
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Flying Pig Marathon is a race powered by people | Opinion
Continue reading...
To the residents of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: Thank you. You welcomed athletes from all 50 states and 31 countries with open arms. You cheered from the sidewalks before sunrise. You handed out water, rang cowbells, chalked sidewalks, and turned ordinary streets into something unforgettable.
More: See Flying Pig Marathon results in our searchable database
Every participant arrives with a story or a pig tale. Some trained for months to improve their health. Others ran in honor of a loved one or to raise funds for a cause that matters deeply to them. Many were first-timers, chasing a personal milestone. Others were seasoned runners returning to a race that has become part of their life story.
The Flying Pig is not just a race. It is a collection of tens of thousands of personal journeys converging here, in our region.
And because of you, those journeys feel seen.
The impact extends well beyond the course. The Flying Pig generates nearly $50 million annually in economic impact, filling hotels, restaurants, and small businesses across the region. It brings national and international attention to our community and reinforces what we already know: This is a place that knows how to host, how to celebrate, and how to bring people together.
More: Mike DeWine's grandson ran in Flying Pig Marathon. See where he placed
But the true return is measured in something more meaningful than dollars.
It is in the 8,000 volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart. It is in the charities that benefit from the generosity of participants and supporters. It is in the families who line the streets and inspire runners to take one more step. It is in the sense of pride that comes from being part of something bigger than ourselves.
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Events like the Flying Pig remind us of what is possible when a community aligns around a shared purpose. They remind us that health and wellness matter. That connection matters. That showing up for one another matters.
As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same. To continue delivering a world-class event. To expand opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate. To deepen our partnerships with charities and community organizations. And to ensure that the Flying Pig continues to be a source of pride for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for generations to come.
To everyone who hosted, volunteered, cheered, supported, and participated: Thank you for making this year’s Flying Pig one for the record books.
Doug Olberding is the CEO of Pig Works, the nonprofit organization that produces the Flying Pig Marathon, the Queen Bee Half, the TQL Beer Series and the FCC3 .
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Flying Pig Marathon is a race powered by people | Opinion
Continue reading...
