Race Review: Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon 2011

Many non-locals (even participants), are unaware of why Cincinnati Marathon, Inc. calls their race the "Flying Pig". Before moving to the area for a few years after college, I was also unaware of Cinci's nickname of "Porkopolis".

In the 1800's, livestock was a major source of agricultural revenue throughout Ohio. Hogs were a major source of income for
Cincinnati farmers, and pigs were brought to the city via boat on the Ohio River. They were herded into town from area farms, and actually marched through city streets en route to processing plants.

Apparently, Cinci embraced it's assigned role as pig central USA, and using the "flying pig" gimmick since  1999 has worked in the race's favor. Not only has it been taken seriously as a race, but it has a reputation for being a difficult, yet fun course. With rolling hills, especially through miles 7-10, the race still manages to bring volunteers supplying aid at every mile of the race. Through my experience running "The Pig" four times, this race also has a huge fan following. Spectators from mile 1-26.2 give a ton of support an encouragement, which for me is a huge draw.

Okay, so I think the Cinci Flying Pig is a lot of fun, but another great reason to run it is that it provides great race swag. First rate gym bags every year. You would be hard pressed to find a gym bag as nice as these for less than the cost of the race. So, getting a bag + getting to run 26.2 miles seems like a phenomenal deal to me!

I hate giving this high of a rating, but this race was pretty crisp race. I'll straight up give it a 9/10. Nothing wrong with it, but I have to leave room in case a limo or something random is waiting for me one of these days.