Cincinnati Runs Wild for a Weekend
This weekend, Cincinnati will once again transform into a vibrant tapestry of runners, revelers, and community spirit as the 27th annual Flying Pig Marathon takes flight from May 2 to 4, 2025. What began in 1999 as a whimsical idea sketched on a cocktail napkin at O’Bryon’s has evolved into a premier event that attracts more than 40,000 participants from all 50 states and 30 countries. Organized by the nonprofit Pig Works, the Flying Pig Marathon has become a hallmark of not only athletic achievement but also civic pride, charitable fundraising, and economic impact. Over 300 charities benefit from the weekend's events, with more than $1 million expected to be raised this year alone. And it's not just goodwill flying high — the marathon brings nearly $20 million annually to the local economy, making it one of Cincinnati's most meaningful weekends of the year.
The 2025 weekend is packed with action. Friday kicks off with the P&G Health and Fitness Expo, now located at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, welcoming runners and the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the evening, the Fifty West Mile takes off at 7 p.m., offering fast heats and a celebratory start to the TQL Beer Series. Saturday morning brings the Toyota 10K at 7 a.m. and the Queen City Running Co. 5K at 9 a.m., both launching from Mehring Way by Paycor Stadium. Families can dive into the Family Fun Festival at Smale Riverfront Park and cheer on the younger racers during the Flying Piglet Kids' Fun Run, Flying Fur Race (for runners with pets), the Children’s 26th Mile, and PigAbilities races, which highlight inclusivity across all ability levels. Sunday is the main event: at 6:30 a.m., the Flying Pig Marathon, Paycor Half Marathon, and CityDash 4-Person Relay all take off under the energy of the opening ceremonies. Finishers and fans alike will converge on Smale Riverfront Park for the Michelob Ultra Victory Party, stretching from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., capping off the weekend in true Queen City style.
The competition this year is heating up. With Jason Salyer stepping away, a new male marathon champion is guaranteed to be crowned. Jack Randall, a two-time Flying Pig champion and recent Boston Marathon finisher, is back in the hunt. Watch for Drew Kiracofe, Ben Merk, and Brian Elliott to challenge as well. On the women’s side, defending champion Olivia Anger is looking strong after clocking the second-fastest winning time in event history last year. She'll be challenged by Grace Howard, Daniella Townsend, and a deep field of seasoned runners, including ultramarathoner Melissa Surman. Jonathan Harley returns to defend his half marathon title, but all eyes are on Eric Gruenbacher, the perennial second-place finisher hungry for his first Flying Pig victory.
With the excitement comes the reality of major travel adjustments around the city. Residents should brace for substantial road closures starting Friday. Mehring Way, West Pete Rose Way, and Gest Street will close intermittently. Saturday brings closures around downtown, and Sunday will be the most significant, with closures across major bridges and routes, including the Roebling Suspension Bridge and Freedom Way. Streets will reopen progressively as the runners move through the course, but delays are inevitable. For both residents and visitors, parking north of Fourth Street or across the river in Northern Kentucky is advised, and real-time updates through the Waze app are highly recommended. Metro bus services will still operate but could experience rerouting and delays. Visitors staying downtown will have prime access to start and finish lines, but those opting for hotels in Covington and Newport can enjoy easy pedestrian access across the Roebling Bridge — just be aware of its closure to vehicle traffic during races.
Fortunately, the weather forecast looks favorable for runners and spectators alike. Friday and Saturday will bring some variable cloudiness and potential showers, but race day on Sunday is expected to be sunny and pleasant, with highs around 65 degrees — ideal marathon weather. Historically, Cincinnati’s May climate can be unpredictable, but it appears 2025 is handing runners a gift in the form of clear skies and cool breezes.
The Flying Pig Marathon is not just a race; it’s a celebration of what makes Cincinnati great. It’s about endurance, yes, but also about humor (who else would name their finish line the “Finish Swine”?), community, and generosity. From elite athletes chasing personal bests to first-timers proudly finishing their first 5K, the spirit of perseverance and joy will flood the streets all weekend. Whether you're running, spectating, volunteering, or simply navigating around downtown, the Flying Pig invites you to embrace the energy — and maybe even believe, if just for a moment, that pigs really can fly.
For updates, maps, and full event details, visit flyingpigmarathon.com.