This was my third marathon overall and my third this year. The Flying Pig was by far my favorite. I danced and sang in the streets and even beat my previous times by 25 and 45 minutes. The hill between miles 6-8 didn't seem to be a big deal, and I come from FL, where we train on bridges. Be prepared to smile for 26.2 miles!

I've run 71 marathons and the Flying Pig is definitely in the top 10 of my favorites. I can only echo the many positive comments on previous posts. I loved the live entertainment at the pasta feed in Fountain Square, the premium carry bag at the expo, the great variety on the course, the fact that the course is NOT out-and-back, and being greeted at the finish line and shaking hands with the race official (Board President, I think). But no one is perfect, so here are some minor tips for improving next year's marathon: 1. the water at the beginning and ending water stops tasted so bad that I could not properly hydrate, but water quality did improve as we got farther into the course; 2. the bananas were all gone at the finish line - not a single one was left at my average finish time; 3. the prepaid pasta ticket pickup was a little messy and had unnecessarily long waits; 4. a complementary beverage (beer) coupon at the finish party would have greatly appreciated. So these are very minor comments.

All in all, a great race, and I would highly recommend it to any 50-Stater running their Ohio race. Thank you to all of the many volunteers. I had a great time in your wonderful city!

This was my 18th marathon, and my first Pig Marathon. There were lots of hills but no real killers. The crowds were better than most races.

I have two concerns: In the start, there was so much garbage, including many water bottles that were a real hazard. Also, several water stops had plastic cups which can cause a serious injury. (I haven't seen plastic on a big race in a long time.)

This is my marathon. I live here in Cincinnati and it was my first race experience (with a relay team), my first half, and my first full. I have gone on to run several other races in several other cities, but the Pig is still my absolute favorite. You get so much for your money - a shirt (technical for marathoners), a poster, a premium bag, and tons of Pig-related freebies at the expo! We have the best and most supportive fans! The medals are fantastic! There are post-race Mylar blankets and food aplenty! Our focus on marathon weekend IS the marathon. I've been to several cities where the locals didn't even know there was a race going on. If you have the slightest interest in doing this race, sign up. You won't be disappointed.

I love Cincinnati and had a great marathon weekend. I wish I could say the same for the race itself, but the congested start is a MAJOR problem. We left our downtown hotel at 5:45 to get to the start with plenty of time, but it was not early enough. We were lucky to squeeze into the starting area near the 5-hour pace group. It took 10 minutes to reach the starting line after the start of the race. The first 2 miles were so congested that I was 2 minutes off my projected pace - I couldn't get enough elbow room to go any faster. And what is with the traffic islands on the road at the start? You can't see them with the crowd; they are a obstacle that you don't want to worry about near a starting line. I think they need to have some kind of staggered start; maybe walkers could take off 20 minutes later. I grew up in Cincy and want to love this event, but at least one other Ohio race has been much more enjoyable for me.

This wasn't an easy course, but it was very scenic and interesting and the crowds were amazing. We never were short of anything, whether it be orange slices, water, gels or Gatorade.

I ran the full marathon and overall I was extremely impressed. It seemed like every aid station was thoroughly stocked. Everything I needed was available whenever/wherever I needed it. Due to some circumstances beyond my control, I was not doing as well as I had hoped. In the late miles (22-25), I had to walk quite a bit, and often, I would stop to stretch my sore legs. Everytime I stopped, there would be a Pig volunteer on a bicycle asking me if everything was okay, if I needed any help, if they could get me anything etc. I have never felt so catered to in a race. There were porta-potties everywhere, and there was good conversation with passers-by! The fans were excited even in the crappy weather, and the course was challenging.

Believe me when I say this marathon had it all. I even got a high five from Elvis in the middle of the toughest hill on the course. What more can a runner ask for!

This was my first marathon, and I did the 1/2. I was very impressed with everything about the race. It seemed to me that every single one of the participants' needs was met. The course was clearly marked and well planned out. The replenishing stations along the course were accessible and frequent. The station attendants provided an incredible adrenaline rush at every mile. The medical crew was unobtrusive but ever-present, as were various marathon workers, including the police officers. The fans were wonderful and energetic, and the Finish Swine was the icing on the cake!

This is a great race: very well organized and supported. A water stop every mile, and nice, big water stops with enthusiastic volunteers! Good cheering. The course is an honest course - yes, there are some hills, but they're not that bad - and the way you get the elevation back is gradual, which is very important. You can roll down the hills and go pretty fast while recovering. The whole city is involved with shorter races, kids' races, weight-lifting... you've got to try this race.

The organization and fan support are awesome - Cincy has to be one of the friendliest cities I've ever experienced! Loved the quirkiness too, for example the "Finish Swine" rather than "Finish Line."

Definitely do this race, but also do quite a bit of hill training for it too.

Regards,

John Grieco