Sunday, May 4, 2025

When Pigs fly! Was my response when asked, “When are you going to run the Flying Pig Half Marathon?”

Known as a hilly and challenging course, this particular race was never on my radar. But you only turn the big 6-0 once, so I wrapped my mind around the terrain and created a 16-week training schedule, and developed an awesome vision board.

How did I do? First, let’s talk about the Flying Pig Weekend. It’s not just a one-day event. It’s a three-day event that culminates in a half marathon and full marathon, which are run in Ohio and Kentucky. Perfect for those ticking off states on their 50-state challenge.

Beginning in 1999, this multiday event has grown from 6,000 to over 40,000 runners, according to a quick Google search.

The race is known for its community support and philanthropic efforts. Additionally, it’s a Boston qualifying race, which draws many first-time marathoners.

According to the race guide, Cincinnati was once known as Porkopolis because of the city’s significant pork industry. Who knew!

Where did that cute flying pig come from? In 1988, in preparation for the city’s 200th anniversary, Cincinnati adopted the winged pig as a nod to its pork heritage and as a symbol of General Electric Aviation.

Initially, the reaction to this symbol was lukewarm, but it was soon embraced, leading to the creation of a brand. The marathon was named shortly thereafter.

It’s not just a race, it’s a weekend. The event is designed to cater to all levels of runners, from beginners to seasoned athletes. It starts with a one-mile run on Friday, the 50 West Mile, which is part of a separate series known as the TQL Beer Series, fittingly celebrating Cincinnati’s history of beer brewing. Saturday opens with a 5K, followed by a 10K. Sunday’s half and full marathons round out the weekend.

Extra Cheese, anyone? Sponsored by Skyline Chili, registrants who participate in multiple events can earn accolades (bragging rights and extra medals) by completing the three-way challenge, which consists of the 5K, 10K, and half-marathon, or the four-way challenge, which includes the 5K, 10K, and full marathon. Those desiring “Extra Cheese” can add on Friday’s one-mile event.

Giving back. Established 15 years ago, the Piggest Raffle Ever raises charitable funds by splitting the prize money 50/50 between the winner and the charity. This year, over $73,000 was added to the total of more than $976,000 that has been raised overall according to the race website.

Best race shirt ever! The asics brand shirts are true to size and came in a women’s and men’s cut – made of 52% cotton and 48% polyester.

The Course. The half-marathon course starts in Ohio, crosses into Kentucky, and ends back in Ohio. The first six miles are a mixture of flat roads and bridges. Nothing horrific. The streets are lined with bands and cheering spectators. Miles six through nine are full of hills with no real downhill — just long slow inclines. The hills make for good views — if you’re able to look around (I was not). The last three miles is totally downhill and still packed with encouraging supporters. You can really pick up some time in the last three miles — time you lost mid-race.

Urban views.

Cool bridges.

Water stops and fuel are plentiful.

A very well organized event.

When surveyed post-race, I gave the event 10’s across the board! The only negative I had was a lack of port-a-potties. I have no idea the actual amount available at the start or on the course, but I thought there could have been more. Find out why and if I’ll do this race again below.

How did I do? I opened 2025 by selecting two words for the year. Strong and consistent. Two words that I thought would help guide me as I embrace turning 60. I’m fortunate to have reached my 60th year, and I’m determined to continue with strength and consistency. Running is but one way I navigate life; it’s brought me much joy, and I wanted to give back to it with intention.

In January, I created a 16-week training guide that involved running four days a week. I included two strength and stretching days, along with one rest day. I set a goal of 1:56:52, which is an 8:54-minute per mile pace. My Personal Best time is 1:53, from 2013, and a more recent 1:54 from 2019. Through 2023, I managed to stay under 1:59. Then I slipped to 2:00 and 2:01 in 2024. So for 2025, I was determined to run stronger and more consistently.

The training plan included a ten-mile race five weeks prior to the Flying Pig and a flat half-marathon two weeks before. The ten-mile race went well. I ran 1:30:03 (9:07 per mile). I had hoped to do well in the flat race and then relax and enjoy the weekend of the Flying Pig. But the flat race was cancelled due to storms. So, needless to say, I had to run hard on a hilly and challenging course (the flying pig).

My Strava time is recorded at 1:59:17 for 13.30 miles (long course). My official flying pig chip time is 2:00:03. My mile splits were great, with seven of the 13.30 miles being under my goal of 8:54 minutes per mile. However, six of the miles were over 9:15 per mile. The hills between miles six and nine got me. Thankfully, the last three miles were straight downhill.

So, why is there a difference between my Strava time and the official chip time? Remember my port-a-potty comment? It’s a lame excuse, and I’ve never had to use the bathroom on a course. Lucky me, I was overhydrated and could not – not go. So I stopped at a port-a-potty line…and lost 30-40 seconds.

Looking back, I realized I had stupidly and automatically stopped my watch when I left the course and then started it back up as I exited the port-a-potty. So, as I was running post port-a-potty, and calculating my finish time, I was not accounting for the stoppage. Additionally, as previously noted, the course was long at 13.30 miles.

Hey, I rarely complain, but the course was long and in my opinion there weren’t enough port-a-potties.

However, it was probably the best half marathon I’ve ever had the pleasure of participating in. From the expo to the crowd, to the volunteers, to the weather—a perfectly misty morning with temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees and no sun.

Would I do it again? Yes, but next time I’d like to relax and enjoy it, and take a look around. I was so focused on my goal.

Everyone around me looked like they were having fun. I know myself, and I know if I had not given it my all, I would have been upset. I had hoped to get back under 2:00 on my official results. But I’m good with the outcome. I know I gave it my all. I know that I was strong and consistent with my training. I know I’m getting older and am still running pretty darn good.

Here’s to turning 60 later this year. Here’s to goal setting, strength, and consistency.

Next Year’s Flying Pig Weekend is scheduled for May 1 – 3, 2026

Recommendation on a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being stellar: 10+