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Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 518 [displaying comments 151 to 161]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 14 15 16 17 18 .. 52 > ]

 

C. G. from Thornhill, Ontario (5/6/2009)
"Excellent race, great spectators" (about: 2009)

3 previous marathons | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


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.

 

T. M. from Cincinnati, OH (5/6/2009)
"EXCELLENT MARATHON WEEKEND!!!" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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!

 

Mari Torgerson from Fairbanks, Alaska (5/6/2009)
"Wow, I am in awe! Wonderful trip for a first-timer" (about: 2009)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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!

 

Coach Kirk from California (5/6/2009)
"Should be on every runner's "must try someday" lis" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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.

 

John Grieco from Bedminster, NJ (5/5/2009)
"Great race, tough course" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


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

 

E. L. from Cincinnati, Ohio (5/5/2009)
"Fun, Fun, Fun, Food :)" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


There is a definite pride for this race from the residents. They like to eat, they love their hills, they love to laugh, and they care about the experience. Cincinnati spoils you from beginning to end. From an excellent expo, with freebies and information galore, to a wonderful downtown, to awesome fans, to great weather (even when its rainy), to interesting course, to great swag and the best post-race food, it was great all around! Thank you to Keebler for the cookies, and to John Morrell for the hot dogs!! The fans and the runners all get into "the Pig" concept. Lots of runners dress up. The fans cheer along the entire route, not just for the half. The hills aren't so bad because they are over before the halfers leave, and then the rest of the run is downhill to the river and finish line. I wasn't expecting this, so I never picked up my speed, but I could have easily made a PR on this course.

 

Jeff Giles from Marietta, GA (5/5/2009)
"New baseline for a marathon experience" (about: 2009)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


What a great event. Cincinnati really knows how to do it right. I now have a new baseline for how a marathon event should be put on. The whole city really gets into it and the enthusiasm and energy are incredible.

What a wonderful overall experience! Thanks to all who put this together for us runners to enjoy - well done!

 

D. M. from Weston, Florida (5/5/2009)
"Top-Notch Marathon Experience" (about: 2009)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This race was first-class all the way. No doubt the course is hilly, but it turned out to be surprisingly fast. The first 12 miles are tough, but the gradual return to the river valley is on a gentle downhill grade. I was traveling with a group of marathoners of all skill levels who have more than 70 marathons between them, and they all agreed that this was one of the best races they've participated in. For me, this ranked near the top. The expo was very good, the course was interesting, the city is easy to traverse, and post-race food was abundant - along with post-race music and festival. Weather turned out to be perfect - despite a terrible forecast - which really made it a great weekend.

 

J. W. from Chicago (5/4/2009)
"Terrific organization - tough course" (about: 2009)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my second time at the Pig (half last year, full this year). I believe this is the best organization of any marathon that I have run. The crowds aren't as large as at some major city marathons, but they are much more into the race than most marathon spectators. Everyone gets behind the pig theme, with very humorous signs and costumes. The expo and events are all very well organized; if you are up to it, I recommend doing one of the Saturday races (5 or 10K) as a warm-up to the Sunday events (before heading to packet pick-up).

The only "negative" is that the course is very difficult. Lots of hills. But if you train, it is worth it, as the hills provide some beautiful, scenic overlooks of the city and Ohio River.

I had a great time at the Pig; I encourage every runner to put this one on the to-do list.

 

R. C. from Wisconsin (5/4/2009)
"Had a blast rockin' the Pig" (about: 2009)

1 previous marathon | 1 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Great job, Flying Pig staff! Fantastic race, great organization, and the people of Cincy were great! This was my first marathon and I flew to a BQ time thanks to the crowd support. The course was scenic and enjoyable. The hill at miles 6 - 8 wasn't bad and it was worth the trip up to see the beautiful views of the river. Lots of aid stations and porta-potties along the course. Very excited and supportive volunteers help at every mile. Can't say enough about how much I enjoyed the race and the City of Cincinnati. Well done!

 

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