The first Sunday of May in Cincinnati can only mean one thing: It's Flying Pig time.
This weekend, thousands of runners, walkers, racers and spectators will take to downtown to be part of the various Flying Pig-related events, from the marathon to the Flying Piglet.
Ready to compete in the race or cheer on those participating in the Flying Pig? Here's everything you need to know.
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When is the Flying Pig 2023?
The 25th annual Flying Pig marathon and half-marathon are on Sunday, May 7.
Both the marathon and half-marathon will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Elm Street and the wheelchair start is at 6:25 a.m.
The CityDash 4-Person Relay will 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 half-marathon, 10K, 5K and the 26th mile are sold out, registration is still open for the full marathon, 50 West Mile, 4-person relay and the Flying Piglet.
You can register through the Flying Pig's website, www.flyingpigmarathon.com.
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The Flying Pig marathon and half-marathon course routes
This year, the marathon will begin Downtown at Elm Street, then will briefly dip into Kentucky, passing through Newport and Covington.
From there, it will continue through Downtown again and head up through Eden Park, East Walnut Hills, Hyde Park and Mariemont before turning and heading back. The return loop will pass through Linwood, Columbia Tusculum and Mount Adams before the final destination on Mehring Way near Smale Riverfront Park.
To view the full marathon route, visit the Flying Pig's website.
The 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 5
- P&G 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 6
- Toyota 10K: 7 a.m. on Mehring Way.
- Family Fun Festival: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
- Champion Windows 5K: 9 a.m. on Mehring Way.
- First Watch Flying Piglet: 10 a.m. at Smale Riverfront Park.
- P&G Fitness Expo: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital 26th Mile: 11 a.m. on Freedom Way.
- Goodwill PigAbilities: Noon on Freedom Way.
- Flying Fur: 1 p.m. on Mehring Way.
Sunday, May 7
- Wheelchair start: 6:25 a.m. on Elm Street.
- 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 encourages all spectators to support runners as they complete in 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.
Parking for the Flying Pig
Roads around downtown Cincinnati will close the weekend of the Flying Pig, and be sure to take those into account when looking for parking. It will be busy and traffic will likely be heavy on the Sunday morning of the race, so take ample time to travel, find parking and use baggage busses and restrooms and find your corral.
The start line for the marathon and half-marathon is on Elm Street between Second Street and West Freedom Way. Baggage buses and restrooms will be available on the east plaza level of Paycor Stadium.
Here are some parking lots and prices if you decide to park near the race:
Lot A, 226 Central Ave: $5. Have cash available and be ready to pay upon entrance. The lot will be staffed for entry from 4-7 a.m.
Central Riverfront Garage, 99 E. Second St. (Entrances on Race Street, W. Pete Rose Way and Main Street/Joe Nuxhall Way): $5 if you arrive between 4-9 a.m. Have cash available and be ready to pay upon entrance.
Lots on Third Street, Central Avenue and Fourth Street near 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 Street, Sycamore Street, Fourth Street and Broadway Street.
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.
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