Spectators, spectators, and more spectators. This is a first-class event, televised live on local television, bands of variety along the course, including a barbershop quartet at around the 9 mile point. The community embraces this event, lots of hoopla, and a very cool finisher's medal. The course is challenging with hills on the first half, but redeems itself on the second half (mile 11 thru 14 downhill). Great scenery and great traffic protection by Cincinnati's finest. Was able to watch the Bengals spring practice while crossing the bridge over the Ohio towards Kentucky (22 mile point). This is a 5-star experience, this is one marathon not to miss!!!

I did the 1/2 marathon relay and I found the race very well organized (and the weather could not have been better). The city really gets behind the runners and gives wonderful support. We came from Whitby, Ontario, Canada and have highly recommended it to all our friends. I will one day be back to do the full marathon. Loved the medal.

Great organization, support, freebies. The course and weather were beautiful. Had a little trouble with the bridge crossings at the end of the race, but it was also my first marathon. I agree that the finisher's area was very crowded. Difficult to get to food and drinks. Overall, a great experience. I would highly recommend it.

The course is beautiful and crowd support is spectacular. The weather was perfect too, even though you can't control that. It was definitely an uplifting, moving experience for me, being my first marathon. There were people cheering you on all along the course. I loved all the motivational signs too. My two favorites were 'I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me' and 'Pain is temporary - Pride is Forever'. Thanks to my wife Shelly for motivating me to run this race. I could not have done it with your love and support. I love you and look forward to a life of running with you. You are the best...

My second Flying Pig - I also ran in 2002. The course was much better this year - they cut out the narrow start and the industrial areas at the end. The course winds through some of Cincinnati's nicest neighborhoods. The hills are over-rated - for the most part, it's a flat course. You get your money back in terms of gifts - TWO shirts, a great medal, a poster and a nice embroidered duffel bag. My only suggestion is a larger 'runners' area' after the race.

As other runners have stated... The 2003 Flying Pig was simply the greatest, most perfect marathon experience! This was my first marathon experience and because it was so wonderful I hope to run many more! Cincinnati really prides themselves on making this a wonderful experience for all people! I cannot believe how wonderful all the crowd support and volunteers were! They really make it happen for us runners! To whomever had signs all along the course with inspirational sayings... I will be eternally grateful for you! Those signs said exactly what I needed, when I needed it. I hope anyone considering to run the Pig does. There are no reasons not to! The hills just make for beautiful scenery and a greater feeling of accomplishment at the end!
The only thing not perfect was, as another runner mentioned, the narrow finish! I got elbowed three times, with one happening right as I crossed the line! Luckily I was just thankful to be done! Thank you to the City of Cincinnati and all of the volunteers and supporters for giving me the memory of a lifetime!

The 5th Pig was my 5th marathon. I've run Disney(2), Marine Corp and Chicago(Lasalle). I would rate the Flying Pig with each of the other marathons I have run. Of course, it helped that I ran a personal best! I appreciate the Clifshot pace group, Thanks George!

I entered this marathon on a whim and did not run it with my usual crowd. I came to Cincinnati alone from Fla. to run it. I read several reviews that said it was a fun marathon. It lived up to it's billing.

The weather was perfect. The course was challenging (nobody told me that Cincinnati was built on hills!). The organization was outstanding. There was plenty of fluid stops. My special thanks to all the police officers that kept the runners safe and the volunteers throughout the course that kept us going. The spectators and entertainment along the course was excellent. The only negative was the pasta dinner was a little lame for 15 dollars.

I am glad I ran this event and have already recommended it to my friends.

Had a wonderful time! Unexpectedly, a PB, 12 minutes off my last marathon time! Truly ecstatic about the race organization, the crowds and pre and post-race goodies! Wow, an embroidered duffel bag, a glossy postcard, all you can eat hotdogs, etc. What a 'steal' for $55! Thanks a lot Cincinnati!

I've run the Pig in 2002 as part of a relay team and then the full marathon in 2003. What a great experience! The course winds through some of Cincinnati's most beautiful areas, the spectators are wonderful and supportive, the refreshments throughout the course are plentiful, and the weather couldn't have been better. One suggestion for next year: after crossing the finish line, there was a huge crowd of finishers and it was hard to get to the after-race refreshments. It seemed like a larger area was needed. All in all it was a great event that I will participate in again next year.

I have run many marathons and this one is one of the best-organized races I have EVER run. The fans were great and they were all over the place. GREAT support! Good race for a first-timer.