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The Flying Pig Marathon is more than miles. It's community | Opinion
TL;DR
Over 45,000 runners participated in the Flying Pig Marathon, showcasing community spirit in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The event welcomed athletes from all 50 states and 31 countries, highlighting personal stories and milestones.
Key points
- Over 45,000 runners participated in the Flying Pig Marathon.
- The event welcomed athletes from all 50 states and 31 countries.
- Community spirit is a key aspect of the marathon experience.
- Participants have personal stories tied to their marathon journey.
This past weekend, more than 45,000 runners and walkers crossed start lines, finish swines, bridges, and neighborhoods as part of the Flying Pig Marathon. But what makes the Flying Pig truly remarkable is not just the scale of participation or the miles covered. It is the spirit of a community that shows up, year after year, to carry every participant forward.
To the residents of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: Thank you. You welcomed athletes from all 50 states and 31 countries with open arms. You cheered from the sidewalks before sunrise. You handed out water, rang cowbells, chalked sidewalks, and turned ordinary streets into something unforgettable.
More: See Flying Pig Marathon results in our searchable database
Every participant arrives with a story or a pig tale. Some trained for months to improve their health. Others ran in honor of a loved one or to raise funds for a cause that matters deeply to them. Many were first-timers, chasing a personal milestone. Others were seasoned runners returning to a race that has become part of their life story.
The largest field in the history of the Flying Pig Marathon is off and running in 2026. All 50 states and 31 countries are represented throughout the May 1-3 weekend.
The largest field in the history of the Flying Pig Marathon is off and running in 2026. All 50 states and 31 countries are represented throughout the May 1-3 weekend.
Fans of one of the runners in the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon show their support Sunday, May 3.
Runners get warmed up for the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon Sunday, May 1, 2026.
Runners get warmed up for the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon Sunday, May 1, 2026.
Runners get warmed up for the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon Sunday, May 1, 2026.
Simon Heys, 24, from Wilmington and a former Flying Pig intern, is the winner of the 2026 Flying Pig men's half marathon.
Simon Heys, 24, from Wilmington and a former Flying Pig intern, is the winner of the 2026 Flying Pig men's half marathon.
Flying Pig half-marathon winner Amanda Zerhusen, a McNicholas High School alum and Mount St. Joseph University runner, talks with the media after her victory May 3, 2026.
Participants run during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Cincinnati.
Participants run during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Cincinnati.
Participants run during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Cincinnati.
A participant dressed as Waldo runs during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Cincinnati.
Participants run during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3 2026, in Cincinnati.
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You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
The largest field in the history of the Flying Pig Marathon is off and running in 2026. All 50 states and 31 countries are represented throughout the May 1-3 weekend.
1 / 14
You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
The largest field in the history of the Flying Pig Marathon is off and running in 2026. All 50 states and 31 countries are represented throughout the May 1-3 weekend.
2 / 14
You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
The largest field in the history of the Flying Pig Marathon is off and running in 2026. All 50 states and 31 countries are represented throughout the May 1-3 weekend.
3 / 14
You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Fans of one of the runners in the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon show their support Sunday, May 3.
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You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Runners get warmed up for the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon Sunday, May 1, 2026.
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You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Runners get warmed up for the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon Sunday, May 1, 2026.
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You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Runners get warmed up for the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon Sunday, May 1, 2026.
7 / 14
You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Simon Heys, 24, from Wilmington and a former Flying Pig intern, is the winner of the 2026 Flying Pig men's half marathon.
8 / 14
You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Simon Heys, 24, from Wilmington and a former Flying Pig intern, is the winner of the 2026 Flying Pig men's half marathon.
9 / 14
You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Flying Pig half-marathon winner Amanda Zerhusen, a McNicholas High School alum and Mount St. Joseph University runner, talks with the media after her victory May 3, 2026.
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Flying Pig Marathon runners dress in style every year. Check out our favorite costumes
Participants run during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Cincinnati.
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You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Participants run during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Cincinnati.
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You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Participants run during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Cincinnati.
13 / 14
Flying Pig Marathon runners dress in style every year. Check out our favorite costumes
A participant dressed as Waldo runs during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Cincinnati.
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You'll squeal at these 2026 Flying Pig Marathon/Half Marathon photos
Participants run during the Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3 2026, in Cincinnati.
The Flying Pig is not just a race. It is a collection of tens of thousands of personal journeys converging here, in our region.
And because of you, those journeys feel seen.
The impact extends well beyond the course. The Flying Pig generates nearly $50 million annually in economic impact, filling hotels, restaurants, and small businesses across the region. It brings national and international attention to our community and reinforces what we already know: This is a place that knows how to host, how to celebrate, and how to bring people together.
More: Mike DeWine's grandson ran in Flying Pig Marathon. See where he placed
But the true return is measured in something more meaningful than dollars.
It is in the 8,000 volunteers who give their time, energy, and heart. It is in the charities that benefit from the generosity of participants and supporters. It is in the families who line the streets and inspire runners to take one more step. It is in the sense of pride that comes from being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Supporters cheer for runners during the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon, Sunday, May 3, 2026, in downtown Cincinnati.
Events like the Flying Pig remind us of what is possible when a community aligns around a shared purpose. They remind us that health and wellness matter. That connection matters. That showing up for one another matters.
As we look ahead, our commitment remains the same. To continue delivering a world-class event. To expand opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate. To deepen our partnerships with charities and community organizations. And to ensure that the Flying Pig continues to be a source of pride for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky for generations to come.
To everyone who hosted, volunteered, cheered, supported, and participated: Thank you for making this year’s Flying Pig one for the record books.
Doug Olberding is the CEO of Pig Works, the nonprofit organization that produces the Flying Pig Marathon, the Queen Bee Half, the TQL Beer Series and the FCC3 .
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Flying Pig Marathon is a race powered by people | Opinion
Q&A
What is the significance of the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati?
The Flying Pig Marathon is significant for its community involvement, welcoming participants from across the U.S. and around the world, and fostering local support.
How many runners participated in the Flying Pig Marathon this year?
This year, more than 45,000 runners and walkers participated in the Flying Pig Marathon.
What types of stories do participants share at the Flying Pig Marathon?
Participants share diverse stories, including personal health journeys, tributes to loved ones, and fundraising efforts for meaningful causes.
How does the community support the Flying Pig Marathon?
The community supports the marathon by cheering on runners, providing water, and creating an enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the event.
