I have enjoyed this race every year that I have done it. Great organization; the best expo of all expos; great volunteers; beautiful course; and the nuns with the pig noses were there again this year at the top of the hill around mile 9. The hills in the first half of the course are due proper respect, as they are killers.

The 2010 Flying Pig was a logistical tour-de-force on the part of the organizers and volunteers. This was my second marathon and first experience running with a pace team. The 3:30 leaders were human metronomes. I felt carried along by them and the near-continuous crowds. Despite the soggy weather, the entire event was tremendous.

This time there was weather! The rain poured on the start line and yet all "bases were covered" by the organizers, and I write now especially to thank the volunteers. Exclamation points fail to express how we appreciate you giving your day.

- Helen Garen

What a fun marathon. I would not change a thing except for the food at the finish. Doughnuts, Ho Hos and Fritos?? The bagels and fruit were not enough to satisfy me after running 26.2 in the pouring rain. I need a sandwich or pizza!

I have run a total of 10 full marathons and twice as many half marathons. Overall, the Pig is a nice marathon for the recreational runner, but not one I enjoyed from the competitive side.

Pros:
Excellent expo
Good value for the cost of registration.
Nice bling: gym bag, tech-shirt, and poster, along with minor odds and ends
Cincinnati is a very friendly, fun, old-time, Midwestern city.
Solid finishing area with good medical support and free massages. So that was a big plus, since I was battling major injuries before I took my first steps in the race.

Cons:
Too many walkers and recreational runners. I felt like I was continually pinned in by groups of three walkers or others with headphones on who could not hear me when I was trying to pass. So while I only ran the half marathon, I felt like I had run 19+ miles going side to side, to side... NOT fun and very frustrating.
They advertise music on the course, but it was more like listening to elevator music! Each time I came to a music stop, it was slow, elevator music rather than anything to keep me going.

Overall, I think the Pig is a nice marathon and has a good variety of events for runners of all ages and levels. But I will not be back. I like a more competitive feel to my races, and this one does not have it. If you are a first- or second-time marathoner, you may enjoy this; but if you are looking for a race for competitive racers, head to Columbus in October or Cleveland in late May - both cater to the competitive runner.

What a great time spent running a race in the pouring rain! I was very impressed by the organization of this race and the volunteer and spectator spirit during what could have been a real downer of a rainy race. So many spectators and volunteers had so much enthusiasm and spirit - even in the rain - that I had a great time. The course was hilly but you hit the big hills early, leaving a few rolling hills at the end. I highly recommend this race and will do it again - I hope during more ideal weather conditions!

As always, a very well supported race with great volunteers and police on a sloppy, rainy day. Thanks for everyone who kept us safe and hydrated.

I rarely come away from a race with an opinion on the support, but here, both the volunteers and the crowds in general are uniquely great. Bravo, Cincinnati.

This is my second Flying Pig Marathon. I ran last year and received a Messenger bag with Flying Pig logo. This year we received a duffel bag.

I will be back if they are giving out a backpack.

I ran my 85th marathon at the Flying Pig Marathon. It was difficult that we were running in the rain, and the hills were challenging. I consider this is one of my favorite marathons. I have a team of four runners; we enjoyed the race, the crowd, the people, and the city very much.

Some suggestions: 1. Different waves: Have the half marathon and the relays start at 7:00 a.m., a half-hour after the marathon. It was so congested with all of the categories and so many slow runners and walkers. 2. Expo: It was very nice with so many vendors; however, it was so congested. I believe there were more vendors this year than last year. I commented that the Flying Pig Expo almost matched the Tokyo Marathon Expo last year. But the Tokyo Marathon Expo was held in a very spacious building. 3. Water quality: The water has a strong chlorine taste.

The expo was one of the best I've been to. The course was incredible - great views and just enough hills to keep the legs interested. But the very best part of this race were the spectators - even in sometimes torrential rain, there were always folks out cheering. Cincinnati and its residents have a special, warm place in my heart... thanks for making #20 a great experience!