CINCINNATI -- There are just three weeks to go for running enthusiasts counting down to the 2017 Flying Pig Marathon, marking a critical point in their training plans: 20/12 weekend.
It is the longest training run for many Flying Pig participants. Most runners training for the full 26.2-mile marathon will tackle 20 miles this weekend while the 13.1-mile half marathon racers will go 12 miles.
“This is a community event that is also a fundraiser,” said Fleet Feet Owner Frank DeJulius. “This is a Cincinnati running tradition for 16 years.”
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The idea gathers many running clubs, charity groups and anyone else training for the Flying Pig Marathon to get that last long run in together along the part of the Flying Pig course.
Fleet Feet asks for a voluntary $5 donation to benefit several charities in the Tri-State.
“The money goes towards Team Challenge, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Girls on the Run, Team in Training and Team Red White Blue, “ DeJulius said.
Last year, more than 1,400 runners raised more than $3,000.
The days starts at Crossroads Church in Oakley and the run proceeds throughout parts of the Flying Pig course including the steep hills of Gilbert Avenue right past 9 On Your Side.
Fleet Feet Sports has organized the event, but other local running clubs help support the event by staffing water stops along the way. Proctor and Gamble and Kroger also help out to allow food and drinks at the finish.
“A ton of work goes into organizing this on our end,” DeJulius said. “But other running groups step up and help out with the water stops. It’s a great day.”
It was a windy, cold day a year ago with traces of snow on the ground. Watch the story we did featuring the event in the video player below.
“If there is one crescendo before the Flying Pig, it is 20/12 weekend,” DeJulius said.
The Flying Pig is now three weeks away, and this is the final push before runners start to taper off their training schedules before the big event.
“It is so rewarding,” said Fleet Feet Running Coach Lisa Korody. “To see people come back from a run excited because they just ran 20 or 12 miles. The energy is awesome.”
