Flying Pig Marathon
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Elevation Gain
300m
Elevation Range
99m
Avg Temperature
58°F / 14°C
Course Profile
hilly
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A hilly loop course with approximately 300m of total climbing, crossing the Ohio River into Kentucky and back before tackling Cincinnati's notorious hills. The Gilbert Avenue climb and Eden Park/Mt. Adams section make this one of the hilliest major US marathons. This is an experience race, not a BQ-friendly course for most runners.
Key Segments
Downtown and Kentucky Loop
Terrain: Flat through downtown Cincinnati, across the Roebling Suspension Bridge into Kentucky, through Newport and Covington, back via Purple People Bridge. Elevation 148-160m
Challenge: The flat opening 11km feel fast and easy — a dangerous trap before the hills. Crowds and river views encourage surging
Tactic: Run at goal pace or slightly conservative. Save every ounce of energy for the hills starting at km 11. This is your last easy stretch.
Gilbert Avenue and Eden Park/Mt. Adams
Terrain: Steep sustained climb on Gilbert Avenue (km 13-14, gaining ~60m), then through Eden Park and Mt. Adams to course high point of ~270m
Challenge: Gilbert Avenue is the signature gut-check — a sustained steep grade that shatters pacing plans. The hills continue through Eden Park to Mt. Adams
Tactic: Shorten stride dramatically, increase cadence. Power-hike the steepest sections of Gilbert if needed — have this rehearsed in training. Run by effort, not pace.
Columbia Parkway and Hyde Park
Terrain: Rolling terrain along Columbia Parkway (km 18-21), then a second major hill block through Hyde Park (km 22-26) gaining another ~90m. Observatory Avenue at km 28 is the last significant climb
Challenge: The second hill block through Hyde Park arrives when legs are already fatigued from Gilbert/Eden Park. Many runners hit the wall here
Tactic: Use Columbia Parkway as a recovery stretch — take on fuel and settle your breathing. Then attack Hyde Park with whatever gear you have left.
Descent to Downtown Finish
Terrain: Gradual descent from 230m to 155m through Columbia Tusculum, Eastern Avenue, and along the riverfront to Fountain Square
Challenge: Fatigue is immense after 28km of hills. The downhill rewards patient runners but punishes destroyed quads
Tactic: This is where conservative racers pass aggressive ones. Open your stride on the downhill. The Banks and riverfront crowds carry you to the finish.
Race-Specific Training
- •Build a base of long hill repeats on a 200-300m climb (6-10 repeats weekly in peak block) — the Flying Pig demands hill fitness beyond what any flat-course plan provides
- •Practice power-hiking steep grades (10%+) in training so you have a rehearsed strategy for Gilbert Avenue and Eden Park, rather than improvising on race day
- •Fuel early and aggressively on hilly long runs — the hills burn through glycogen 15-20% faster than flat running, so practice taking gels every 5km from km 8 onward
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Start and finish at 155m. Course high point ~270m at Mt. Adams. No altitude concerns.
Weather
Early May. Typical temps 12-22°C (54-72°F). Cincinnati spring weather can bring warm humidity or cool rain. Occasional years hit 27°C+ (80°F+).
Sun & Wind
Morning start with increasing sun exposure through the race. The hilltop sections (Eden Park, Mt. Adams, Hyde Park) are more exposed. Humidity in the Ohio River valley can be significant.
What to Wear
Light, moisture-wicking singlet and shorts. Arm sleeves if the morning is cool. Do not overdress — you will generate significant heat on the climbs.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-11 | Goal pace or 5 sec/km conservative | Flat section through downtown and Kentucky. Save everything for the hills. |
| km 11-17 | 20-40 sec/km slower than goal pace (effort-based) | Gilbert Avenue and Eden Park climbs. Run by effort. Accept the slow splits. |
| km 17-28 | Goal effort through rolling terrain | Recover on Columbia Parkway, then effort-based through Hyde Park hills. Fuel at every station. |
| km 28-42.195 | Goal pace or faster on the descent | The downhill payoff. Patient runners make up massive time on faders through the final 14km. |
Race Day Tip
Set your goal 15-30 minutes slower than your flat marathon PR. Runners who try to hit their flat time on this course almost always blow up on Gilbert Avenue. Embrace the hills and the Cincinnati experience — the crowd support on Gilbert and in Hyde Park is legendary.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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