Everything you need to know for the Flying Pig Marathon

After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Flying Pig Marathon is returning to Cincinnati.The Flying Pig Marathon will be held in person on Halloween weekend in conjunction with the Queen Bee Half Marathon.EVENT SCHEDULEFridayP&G Health and Fitness Expo - noon to 7 p.m.Fifty West Mile - 7 p.m.SaturdayToyota 10K - 7:30 a.m.Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Tri-State Running Company 5K - 9:30 a.m.P&G Health and Fitness Expo - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Queen Bee Medpace 4 Miler - 11 a.m.Flying Fur - 12:30 p.m.SundayMarathon powered by P&G - 7:30 a.m.Paycor Half Marathon - 7:30 a.m.CityDash 4-Person Relay - 7:30 a.m.Queen Bee Half Marathon - 7:30 a.m.Michelob Ultra Post-Race Party - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.ABOUT FLYING PIGFirst of all, many may wonder, "Why 'Flying Pig'?" Officials said the name stems from the 1800s when Cincinnati was called “Porkopolis” because of all the stockyards and the meatpacking industry. Officials said many often ran pigs through the downtown streets. So when the founders of the marathon were looking for a name for the event back in 1997 “Flying Pig” brought smiles to everyone's faces so that seemed most appropriate.ABOUT THE COURSEThe course will fly along the streets of Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, Mariemont, Fairfax and Columbia Township.Click here for turn-by-turn directions.REGISTRATIONRegistration is open for the Flying Pig in-person and virtual events. The in-person Flying Pig Marathon is sold out. The in-person Flying Pig half marathon costs $100 to register, the in-person Flying Pig 10K costs $55, the in-person Flying Pig 5K costs $48, the in-person Fifty West Mile costs $30 and the in-person Flying Pig open relay costs $320 per team.There are also in-person Skyline Chili three-way challenges, including one with extra cheese. Click here to learn more.The virtual Flying Pig 10K costs $30 to register, the virtual Flying Pig 5K costs $25, the virtual Fifty West Mile costs $25 and the virtual Flying Pig open relay costs $240 per team. There are other virtual options to participate in, too. Click here to learn more. HOW LONG IS THE COURSE OPEN?The course is open for a seven-hour pace, officials said. But don’t worry, officials won’t run you off the course if you want to enjoy yourself a little longer, just move up to the sidewalks and obey pedestrian rules and you’ll be fine.WEATHERRain will be around for Friday night for the 50West Mile to start the Flying Pig fun.Saturday starts with some lingering spotty showers for 5K and 10K runners, but it will be dry for the afternoon.Good news for the Flying Pig marathon runners! The weather is looking beautiful and sunny with temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s.WANT TO BE A SPECTATOR?Spectators are encouraged along the race route to help cheer on runners. Spectators can cheer, clap and play music.Race officials encourage anyone who sees a runner who appears to need help or medical attention to take their race number and inform a course monitor or fluid station volunteer. If the runner’s injury looks serious, try to find a police officer on the course.ROAD CLOSURESThursdayAll of Mehring Way from Elm Street to Joe Nuxhall Way from 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.All of Elm Street from Freedom Way to Second Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.FridayAll of Mehring Way from Joe Nuxhall Way to Elm Street from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.All of Mehring Way from Elm Street to West Pete Rose Way from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.All of West Pete Rose Way from Central Avenue to Gest Street from 5 pm. to 8:45 p.m.Click here to view a full list of road closures on Saturday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 31 WEEKEND PARKINGP&G Health & Fitness ExpoHeld at Duke Energy Center (525 Elm Street, Cincinnati)The Duke Energy Convention Center’s main entrance is located at the intersection of Fifth Street and Elm Street. More than 5,000 parking spaces surround the convention center in metered street spaces, private flat lots and privately managed garages. Click here for a parking map.Fifty West MileParking available at:Queen City Tower GarageCentral Riverfront GarageContinue on Third St. and take a left on Central Ave. and a left on W. Pete Rose Way to surface lots A&BSaturday parkingLot A: 226 Central Ave - $5Lot B: 150 W. Pete Rose Way - $5Central Riverfront Garage - $10300 Central Ave. $10444 W. Third St. $10325 John St. $10251 Central Ave. $10Fifth/Plum intersection $15Third/Race intersection $15Queen City Square Garage -$5 if exit before 2 p.m.Sunday parkingLot A: 226 Central Ave. - $5Lot B: 150 W. Pete Rose Way - $5Central Riverfront Garage - $10 300 Central Ave.444 W. Third St.325 John St.251 Central Ave.Fifth/Plum intersectionThird/Race intersectionQueen City Square Garage -$5 if exit before 10 a.m.