My recent trip to Cincinnati for the Flying Pig Marathon was a whirlwind of great conversations, unexpected logistical hurdles, and a deep dive into the history of the "Queen City." Here’s a look back at the weekend.
The Journey and the People
The trip started on a high note with a flight featuring two fascinating co-passengers. I met Karl, a technically adept tech lead at Zillow from Ohio, and Karla, a Portland resident working in the hydroelectric energy sector. Discussing tech and infrastructure at 30,000 feet was a refreshing way to kick off the weekend.
Fun Fact: The Cincinnati airport is actually in Kentucky! The Ohio River serves as the majestic dividing line between the two states.
Pre-Race Exploration
I stayed at the Radisson on the riverfront, which was perfectly situated close to the start line at Rosa Parks St. On Saturday, I headed to the expo to pick up my bib. While the architecture is beautiful, I opted for a short cab ride rather than walking across the bridge due to the high winds and a pedestrian path that didn't feel extensive enough for a pre-race taper.
Saturday was a sports fan's dream as both CSK and Arsenal registered emphatic wins. Post-game, I visited the Cincinnati Art Museum. The lush park and views outside were breathtaking, but the artifacts inside stole the show—from the incredible Damascus Room and a rare dancing Gnanasambandar to modern greats like Van Gogh and Monet. I also spent time learning about the city's history; it was largely formed by German and Irish immigrants, which explains the prevalence of various "Haus" names throughout the city.
Race Day: Highs, Lows, and 26.2 Miles
The Morning Scramble: Despite the pre-race jitters and little sleep, I made the "cardinal error" of not booking an Uber overnight. Luckily, a group of ladies at the Radisson graciously offered me a lift. Due to road closures, I still had to walk the bridge mid-way to reach the Section E start line.
- The Start: I began at a breakneck speed, averaging 8:50 to 9:20 until the half marathon mark by following pacers and tailing fast individuals.
- The Middle: I settled into a decent rhythm, chatting away with a fellow racer named Makenna, a dentist from Kentucky.
- The Wall: Everything was fine until Mile 23. Mild cramps forced me to walk for a bit—a mistake that killed my pace and rhythm. I eventually huffed and puffed across the finish line with a time of over 5 hours.
Why the "Pig" Flies High
The organization was top-notch—major props to local giants like Kroger, P&G, and GE. This was the first time I saw volunteers offering wet towels, tissues, mints, and even cookies along the course. The local support was so loud and encouraging that I didn't even listen to my AirPods; I was fully immersed in the vibes.
The weather was perfect: cool and windy early on, turning into beautiful sunshine for a finish along the stunning riverfront with views of the riverboats and bridges.
Final Verdict: I highly recommend this marathon! Staying close to the course was a great decision for a cheap and quick Uber, and the food options—Mexican, Thai, and Mediterranean—were all fantastic. Check out my photos on Strava!
Thank you, Cincinnati, for the hospitality.
This was a satisfying 5th marathon for me - https://strava.app.link/OxNu1giIQ2b
