Flying Pig Marathon

Flying Pig Marathon By Ginny McCabe, For Go! Friday, April 28, 2006

The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon, rated as one of the top 10 "most enjoyable marathons" in the country by Runner's World, will mark its 8th year May 7. This distinction puts the "Pig" in exclusive company with the Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando, Boston Marathon, Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego and the ING New York City Marathon, which are also rated for the fun participants have. Marathon officials expect more than 13,000 people (the number of last year's number of participants) to register for the Flying Pig Marathon events, including the full marathon (26.2 miles), the half marathon (13.1 miles), a four-person relay and 10K and 5K races on Saturday. Joe Hale, chair for the event, said the goal for the event is to have 20,000 participants by 2008, which will mark The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon's 10th anniversary. A full weekend of activities and events are gearded toward families with more than 50 entertainment acts positioned along the 26-mile course. Cincinnati native and participating artist, Orlando Luckey, who is volunteering his time, said he is excited about the opportunity. "This is such a huge event, not just here in Cincinnati, but nationally," Luckey said. "The fun and sense of togetherness is great." Waiting For Now, who has opened for Blessid Union of Souls and played in Bogart's Battle of the Bands last summer, is joinging the event for the first time. "We are very excited about this because we have never played in this event before, and we believe it is for a good cause," said Waiting For Now's frontman, Matt St. George. Hale said it is a day where the whole City of Cincinnati is in a good mood. "We've tried to create a fun event for everybody," Hale said. "Whether you are running through Hyde Park, Mariemont, Over-the-Rhine, or Northern Kentucky you see people are out and they have smiles on their faces." how to go THE NAME: The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon THE LOCATION: Lake Como at Coney Island THE HOURS: May 7; 5K and 10 K events will be May 6 THE EXTRAS: Runners and volunteers for the event are still being accepted THE PHONE: (513) 721-7447 or visit www.flyingpigmarathon.com