From Cleats to Streets
Cincinnati has never been a city that tiptoes around its sports loyalties. When the orange and blue wave of FC Cincinnati first rolled into town in 2016, it didn’t just make a splash—it created a seismic shift in the local sports landscape. And now, as the club celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s only fitting that the celebration begins on foot—literally—with the return of the FCC3 race on Saturday, August 9, presented by Medpace.
This isn’t your typical fun run. This is a three-mile tribute to everything FC Cincinnati has built—from the roaring days at Nippert to the electric match nights at TQL Stadium. Whether you're a lifelong local or traveling in for the weekend, FCC3 is the front-row experience you can run through.
From Nippert to TQL: A Course Through FCC History
Unlike most looped racecourses, FCC3 takes you on a point-to-point journey—starting at Nippert Stadium, the site of FC Cincinnati’s inaugural roar, and finishing at TQL Stadium, the club’s crown jewel in the West End.
Every step between the two is layered with meaning. You’re not just running from Point A to Point B—you’re sprinting from the club’s roots to its future. Expect music, cheers, skyline views, and orange-and-blue pride lining the course.
More Than a Race: A Full Weekend of Celebration
The FCC3 is just the kickoff for a packed anniversary weekend. On Sunday, August 10, the club will host an FCC Alumni Match, reuniting fan-favorite legends from every era. If you ever chanted from The Bailey in the USL days or shouted from your seat at TQL, this match will be a heart-tugging highlight.
Runners will have exclusive access to meet former players onsite after the race at the post-run celebration on TQL Stadium Plaza—which will feature food, music, drinks, and probably a few chants.
Who’s It For? Everyone with a Pulse and a Passion
With a manageable 3-mile distance, this race is perfect for all levels—whether you’re chasing a personal best or pushing a jogging stroller. It’s more block party than Boston Marathon.
And your entry fee supports the FC Cincinnati Foundation, funding youth soccer programs, educational initiatives, and community engagement throughout Greater Cincinnati. So every mile you run makes a difference for the next generation of players and fans.
What to Expect if You’re Local
Cincinnatians will feel right at home. You know the route, the rhythms, and maybe even the volunteers handing out water. You'll revel in the familiar energy of the city's fandom and relish the chance to run through a decade’s worth of soccer memories.
And when it's over, you're already close to your favorite brunch spot or brewery. Go ahead—order goetta. You earned it.
What to Expect if You’re Visiting from Out of Town
If you're planning a trip to experience FC Cincinnati’s 10-year celebration, FCC3 is your golden ticket—and you’ll want to stay nearby to soak it all in.
🏨 Best Downtown Hotels Near the Action:
The Lytle Park Hotel – Upscale, modern, and a short drive from both stadiums.
21c Museum Hotel – A boutique stay with an art museum in the lobby and walkable access to the riverfront.
AC Hotel by Marriott at The Banks – Perfectly positioned between Great American Ball Park and TQL Stadium, with rooftop views.
The Kinley – Trendy and centrally located in the heart of downtown and Over-the-Rhine.
Hilton Netherland Plaza – Historic charm meets luxury in a Cincinnati landmark, just blocks from the finish line festivities.
All of these offer easy access to local dining, breweries, and sightseeing gems like Findlay Market, Rhinegeist Brewery, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Book early—this weekend will sell fast.
Why Run the FCC3?
Because this isn’t just a race. It’s a moving tribute to ten unforgettable years. It’s a celebration of a club and city that rose together. It’s high-fives, stadium selfies, chants echoing through the West End—and maybe a banana costume or two.
Whether you’re running, walking, or just vibing with the crowd, FCC3 is the heartbeat of a historic weekend. It’s where nostalgia and ambition collide at a finish line that’s really just the beginning.
Registration opens Friday, May 23 at flyingpigmarathon.com/flying-pig-and-fc-cincinnati-friendly. Don’t wait.