Question:
Does anyone here have any experiences with the Cincinnati Flying Pig
Marathon? I'm looking for a race to run next spring for my first marathon
and would like any advice on whether or not this would be a good course for
a first timer. I've done three 1/2 marathons and am ready to step it up.
It's close to home so the travel situation is good, the timing is about
right for me, but I'm a little worried about the hills based on the course
elevation chart. Having been to many Reds games I know downtown and the area
around the river including the bridges can be steep.
Any advice?
I was wondering if the Flying pigs marathon in Cincinnati can be used to
qualify for the Boston marathon. I'm actually asking this for a friend. I'm
not even close to thinking about qualifying.
Answer:I did the "innaugural" Flying Pig 2 years ago, and I can only tell you good
things about the experience. It was extremely well organized, and everybody
associated with the event seemed to go the extra mile to ensure that it was
a fun experience. Volunteers were plentiful and enthusiastic, the goody bag
was exceptional, and the finishers medal was by far the nicest I've ever
received (or seen) for any race.
Although the new course has a different finishing area now, I believe that
much of the rest of the course remains the same. The course was a little bit
challenging, and although there are hills, they're best described as gently
rolling and certainly shouldn't deter you from running Cincinnati. The
bridges come relatively early in the race. Some sensible hills training as
part of your training schedule would probably do alot to allay any concerns
you might have about the course, and make Cincinnati a good experience for
you.
Finally, it can be warm and humid in May in Cincinatti (as I'm sure you
know). If you do it, remember to drink early and drink often. Good luck with
your training and with the race.
I ran the Pig last spring. It was hilly for about miles 2-10. You climbed to
a scenic overlook of the valley! It was a very well run race and the specators
were great. I would recommend it, just do a little training on hills.
Short answer, yes. Long answer, not if your friend is running close to the
cutoff. The Flying Pig is hilly and much too warm to expect a PR.
By the way, last year's inaugural Pig was one of the most successful
marathon launches in history; only San Diego's had better initial
participation. And from what I've read (didn't attend San Diego's), the Pig
was much better organized and directed - they had to turn away volunteers!
This year's will be even better - slightly modified route and a finish in
the park by the riverfront.
