CINCINNATI -- Erica Heskamp makes it to the finish line of the Flying Pig marathon every year, but she's never actually run the race. Instead, she's spent the last two decades as every runner's cheerleader: A tireless, unstoppable support system in a 25-pound thick pig suit.
"It's a lot of work," she said. "We're there around 5:30 in the morning and leave after the last runner finishes, no matter what. It can be a 10-12-hour day"
Heskamp is a marathon runner herself when she's not providing hugs to sweaty athletes at the finish line -- she doesn't mind, she said, because she's sweaty, too -- and she trains for the physical ordeal of cheering for the Pig much like others train to run it.
"I eat lots of carbs and drink lots of water," she said. "Sometimes I'll go into the medical tent, ask them for some Advil and cool down, but you never want to miss someone come across the finish line."
She had originally intended to work at a water stop in normal clothes when she called in to volunteer for the first-ever Flying Pig Marathon. When organizers asked if she would wear a pig costume, she accepted, thinking it would be like most mascot costumes: Hot, maybe, but with a head that fit over her own and concealed her identity.
When she finally saw the costume, she realized her own face would be fully visible. For a second, it was daunting. Every second since then, she's embraced it.
"I love helping people get across that finish line," she said. "A lot of people say to me, ‘Oh, when I see your face or I see your pig suit coming up Eastern Avenue, I know I'm almost at the finish line.' It helps me, knowing that I'm helping them."
She's seen everything from cartwheels to proposals at the finish line, and she said she's always inspired by the dedication of people who finish the race.
"It's such an accomplishment," she said. "Whether it's the half or the full, it's an amazing accomplishment. I love being part of that."
Runners and spectators can expect to see Heskamp at the finish line, like always, on Sunday.
