The Flying Pig Marathon has put Cincinnati on the map in the running world. The race was voted the best marathon in the United States by USA TODAY due to its course that’s challenging enough to count as a Boston Qualifier, offers scenic views along the Ohio River, and travels in to Cincinnati’s most iconic neighborhoods. The flying pig also gets credit for its pig theme that pops up every where you look from the “pig pen” start line to the “finish swine.”
If you’ve ever attended the Flying Pig, either as a runner or spectator, you will know the secret behind it’s success is the people! More than 18,000 people crossed the finish line on May 5, 2024 between the marathon, half marathon and relay. If you can believe it, more than 100,000 came out to cheer them on. These people are called “street squealers.” Of course we can’t forget the 8,000 volunteers, or grunts, that help race weekend to run smoothly.
If you’re not up for running the 26.2 miles for the marathon or 13.1 for the half marathon, this article is for you! We’re talking about the most effect way to be a great spectator of the Flying Pig marathon from the start line, all the way to the finish.
Flying Pig Health and Fitness Expo
The fun begins days before the race at the Flying Pig Health and Fitness Expo at the Duke Energy Convention Center. The free event serves as a packet pickup for the runners and a place to get freebies or do some shopping from the vendors. If it’s your first time attending you should give yourself at least an hour to get through the whole thing.
After you enter they have tables set up with the different races. You’ll want to find the race you are registered for, then pick up our packet and bib number. You can then weave your way through the vendors until you get to the back of the expo to pick up your race shirt, bag, and poster.
There is on line that you should make time for. P&G has an area where they give away some of their products to the runners. You get things like deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, detergent, vitamins, etc. Some items they limit, but others they tell you to take all you want.
There are other vendors you’ll wan to stop at to buy merchandise, grab more freebies or try out new products. They will even help you get ready for the race by braiding your hair. You’ll also want to make time to make a poster and take pictures with the pig statues set up around the expo.
Flying Pig Race Day
Perfect Pig Parking
Give yourself plenty of time to get downtown. There will be a lot of street closures, but you can check out the Waze App to get updated directions. We recommend parking downtown, not close to The Banks where the race starts. The runner will have a couple of blocks to walk to the start line and to find their coral, but they can use that as a warm up. If you are parked by 6 am that will be plenty of time for the walk.
If you’re the ultimate supporter, you won’t be parked there the entire time your loved one will be running. Take a look a the course map to find places where you can catch up to the runner. By parking downtown we were able to see our runner twice before moving our car to the next place on the route.
Start Line
Once your runner is in place and squared away you can find out a place to watch the start of the race. The Flying Pig organizers do a good job making the start line something to see complete with flame throwers. There will be an opening ceremony and wheelchair start before the runners take off.
Remember, there will be multiple starts. This year there were about eight which were determined based on the runner’s speed. Take note of letter heat your runner will be taking off in so you don’t miss them. Due to hundreds of people in each heat, it’s easy for someone you know to run right by you without you knowing it. You can track a runner by downloading the PigWorks App.
7th Street Downtown
After your runner passes you near the start line, you can walk up the hill into Downtown Cincinnati. Make your way to 7th Street. This is around 4.5 miles of the course. All the runners will go down this street after going through Covington. It’s a good place to catch your runner again before they get into the hills. They should still be feeling pretty good. You also wouldn’t need to move your car to catch them there.
This area is like running through a tunnel. Most of the runners really like it because it is loud and gives them a good burst of energy.
After this stop you can grab breakfast or coffee at a spot downtown or at The Banks. This really depends on the speed of your runner and if they are in the half marathon or marathon.
Central Parkway Area
If your runner is in the half marathon the Central Parkway area is a great spot to catch them again before they head to the finish line. This would be around 11 miles for them. By this time the runners would have passed the hill, but could be feeling pretty tired.
The really great thing about this spot is that it’s a short walk from where you saw them on 7th street, so you won’t have to move your car. The down side is you would have to book it back to The Banks to see them cross the finish line. They will be running and you probably wouldn’t be.
Columbia Parkway in Fairfax or Delta Avenue in East End
If you have a marathon runner you may need to talk to them about your next stop. For the marathon runners the crowds get smaller the further out the go and they may be hitting their wall in areas that require a bit of a drive.
My runner hits his wall between mile 19-21. Knowing this we chose to give him a pick me up around mile 18 of the marathon. That would put you out in the Fairfax area. This spot is great because you just drive out Columbia Parkway. You’ll pass a water station on the opposite side of the highway, then drive for a bit before you get to the Fifth Third Bank. Park in that parking lot on Dragon Way. I love this area as a spectator because it is easy to drive to and it’s not an official Flying Pig party spot, so you won’t have to fight the crowds.
The other option would be Delta Avenue in the East End. This area puts you around mile 21 of the course. This is another great option late in the marathon because it also goes out on Columbia Parkway. The Columbia Square shopping center is close by, so there is plenty of free parking. This year we timed it wrong and missed our runner at mile 18 but picked him up here. This spot is also a “party zone,” so there are complimentary snacks, refreshments and music for spectators while you wait on your runner.
Finish Line
After you finish up at your stop on Columbia Parkway, get back in the car and head back to The Banks. Again it’s just a short drive back down Columbia Parkway. Park in one of the Riverfront Garages. Believe me your runner will thank you!
No matter how fast your runner is you will have time to make it from mile 18 or 21 to the “Finish Swine” to see them cross.
Be a Good Flying Pig Street Squealer
Now that you know where to go as a spectator there are some things you can do to give a boost to the runners:
Make Signs:
Make signs for your runner. It helps you stand out in the crowd especially if you put your runner’s name. Some people run with ear buds in and can run right past you, even if you are screaming their name. You should also get creative! Runners read the signs of people they don’t know. A clever sign could have them laughing for miles.
Team colors, shirts or costumes:
As much as you want to support your runner, they want to say thank you. Having your group wear the same colors or ordering a shirt will help them find you in a sea of thousands. Not to mention it shows you did some planning and went the extra mile for them. Costumes are another great option for the Flying Pig. We saw people in Pig Costumes, spider man, a 70’s wig and tutus. Just have fun with it!
Don’t be a silent spectator:
The best spectators of the Flying Pig are ones who are loud. They are cheering for the runners they know and the one’s they don’t. Think of something encouraging to say to the runners as they pass by. However, be careful about telling walkers to “run” or “push it.” Trust me they are! Don’t be afraid to make up a cheer. Treat it like a sporting event. After all, it is!
Bring Noise Makers:
When your voice gives out, you will be glad you have a noise maker. Think of cow bells, shakers, hand clappers or anything you would take to a sporting event. Of course if all else fails clapping your hands is just as great and appreciated!
Give fist bumps, high fives, or wave:
Since Covid touching can seem like a thing of the past, but this gesture can really give runners a boost. Make sure you’re not blocking the course while trying to keep your hand out for runners to tap as they pass by.
Call runners by their name or bib number:
Recognizing runners personally helps them feel your support. Check race bibs and shirts for names as runners approach. If they put their names on their clothes or bib they want you to know they need the extra support. Don’t be afraid to yell out their name.
Be courteous of other runners and spectators:
Give the runners space. It’s understandable that you are looking for your loved one, but don’t get in the road way so bad that it makes other runners go around you. Furthermore, don’t block the view of other spectators. If you’ve seen your friend or loved one move back a little to give other’s space in front. This is something people often do during the Flying Pig.
Conclusion
We loved attending the Flying Pig Marathon this year. It is definitely a race you should put on your bucket list if you are a runner or just a person who likes to watch races. Remember if you are a squealer to make a race day plan. That includes deciding where to park, what spots to watch the race and how to get to the finish line. You should also keep in mind spectator etiquette.
Have you attended the Flying Pig, either a runner or a spectator? What was your experience? What race should we attend next and why?
