Flying Pig Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventureCincinnati
Dates2 May 2027Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceCincinnati was long nicknamed 'Porkopolis'
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati

The Flying Pig Marathon is Cincinnati's 26.2-mile road race, run the first Sunday in May since 1999. It is named for the winged pig sculptures at Bicentennial Commons, a nod to the city's old 'Porkopolis' pork-packing nickname. The course starts and finishes downtown, crossing the Ohio River into Northern Kentucky, and includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a dog-friendly Flying Fur race.

Its playful pig branding and city course give it strong sports-culture identity.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Cincinnati was long nicknamed 'Porkopolis' for its 19th-century pork-packing industry, and in 1988 the city commissioned artist Andrew Leicester to mark its bicentennial with four winged pig sculptures at Bicentennial Commons, wings borrowed from GE Aviation's local presence

02

The mystery stays covered

Initial reaction was mockery, but the flying pigs were soon embraced as a civic symbol, and the marathon founded in 1999 by Robert J

03

The city starts moving

The race is a Boston Marathon qualifier and became the third-largest first-time marathon in the country

04

The water draws everyone in

In 2011, legally blind runner Amy McDonaugh won the women's division without a guide

05

The old stones answer

In 2024, USA Today named it the best marathon in the United States, citing the scenic riverfront course and the organizers' playful pig branding

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The winged pig sculptures at Bicentennial Commons as the race's namesake landmark

Water and renewal

Living ritual

pig-themed costumes and mile-marker signage

The sacred route

Living ritual

the 2-mile Flying Fur race pairing runners with their dogs

The local code

Living ritual

and a course that crosses the Taylor-Southgate

Tradition 5

Living ritual

Fourth Street

Tradition 6

Living ritual

and Clay Wade Bailey bridges linking Ohio and Kentucky

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

2 May 2027

Getting around

Downtown lodging is useful.

What to wear

Athletic running attire suited to cool early-May mornings that can warm quickly; layers or throwaway clothing for the start corral are common. Many runners wear pig-themed costumes or...

Safety

For Flying Pig Marathon, choose safe viewing points, watch weather and leave extra time around starts, finishes or releases.

Where to stay

Cincinnati

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map39.13 N, 84.51 WOpen in Google Maps

Cincinnati, OH

TransportDowntown lodging is useful.
Stay areaCincinnati

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Cincinnati via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Cincinnati, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearAthletic running attire suited to cool early-May mornings that can warm quickly; layers or throwaway clothing for the start corral are common. Many runners wear pig-themed costumes or accessories for fun; spectators dress casually for standing outdoors along the bridges and riverfront for hours.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Flying Pig Marathon?

Flying Pig Marathon is listed for 2 May 2027. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Flying Pig Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Cincinnati, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Cincinnati, OH

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLflyingpigmarathon.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates2 May 2027
Source statusOfficial source linked
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