The best marathon in the country, according toUSA TODAY's 10Best Readers’ Choiceawards, is this weekend.
Starting Friday, thousands of runners, walkers, racers and spectators will take over downtown Cincinnati for the various Flying Pig-related events, from the marathon to theFlying Piglet.
Ready to compete in the raceor cheer on the brave Flying Pig participants? Here's everything you need to know.
When is the Flying Pig 2024?
The 26th annual Flying Pig Marathon and Paycor Half-Marathon are Sunday, May 5.
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, Flying Pig relay, Flying Fur and the Skyline Chili 3-Way and 4-Way Challenges are sold out, registration is still open for the full marathon, half-marathon, 5K, Fifty West Mile, Flying Piglet, 26th mile and PigAbilities.
You can register through the Flying Pig's website,www.flyingpigmarathon.com.
Flying Pig Marathon and Paycor Half-Marathon 2024 course routes
This year,themarathon will start adjacent to Paycor Stadium. Corrals will be set up along the starting line,with the elite runners positioned closest to the starting line. The corrals will be released in increments as judged by racecourse officials to prevent congestion.
This year, 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.
To view the entire marathon route,visit the Flying Pig's website.
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. It will also start Downtown and dip into Newport and Covington before passing through Eden Park, Woodburn, East Walnut Hills and Pendleton before ending on Mehring Way near Smale Riverfront Park.
To view the half-marathon's route,visit the Flying Pig's website.
Flying Pig schedule
Here's the schedule of events centered around the Flying Pig.
Friday, May 3
- P&G Health & Fitness Expo:Noon to 7 p.m. at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
- 50 West Mile:7 p.m. at the Riverfront Transit Tunnel.
Saturday, May 4
- Toyota 10K:7 a.m. on 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.
- Flying Pig Mascot Race: 10 a.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
- 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 Duke Energy Convention Center.
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital 26th Mile:11 a.m. at Freedom Way.
- Goodwill PigAbilities:Noon at Freedom Way.
- Flying Fur:1 p.m. at Mehring Way.
Sunday, May 5
- 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.
- Victory Party:8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
How to watch the Flying Pig
The Flying Pig encouragesall 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 a 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 servicewill be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call or visit its website 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 withlive music and food trucks. 4003 Eastern Ave., East End.
- Nation Kitchen & Bar:The Banks location will open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday for spectators. 175 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks.
- E+OKitchen: Both locations will open at 9 a.m. and sell coffee starting at 7:30 a.m. 3520 Edwards Road, Hyde Park; 56 W. Freedom Way, The Banks.
The Flying Pig website also has a list of party zones offering complimentary snacks and refreshments for spectators.
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.
Click here 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. All suggested parking lots are cashless, per the Flying Pig website.
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. Please have a credit card ready and available to use upon entry.
Lots on Third Street, Central Avenue and Fourth Streetnear the start and finish: $10-15.
- 330 Central Ave.
- 444 W. Third St.
- 325 John St.
- 251 Central Ave.
- Fifth and Plum intersection.
- Third and Race intersection.
Queen City Square Garage, 319 E. Fourth St.,with entrances on Third, Sycamore, Fourth and Broadway streets: $15-20.
Parking lots on Eggleston Avenue(1.5 miles from the start line) near relay shuttle buses.
Parking in Northern Kentucky is also available in Covington and Newport.
