I’m originally from Peru & have lived in the Cincy area a little over ten years. Flying Pig weekend is my favorite weekend of the year!

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon

Spot me in these races: Athens, OH half; Cap City half; Ohio State 4 miler; Grandview Yard half; Columbus half; Marine Core marathon

Playing through my headphones: The Champion

On my plate for a post-race meal: Pizza

My special race-day ritual: Eat a cliff bar & honey stinger waffle

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Get there early to find parking & enjoy the great day!

I have been a minister at a Northern KY church for over 25 years, and it was a friend at church that challenged me to run a 5K with him in 2016 that caused me to be bitten by the running bug. Since then, I have run the Boston Marathon 3 times and the Chicago Marathon twice. When I am not running, I am is finding new awesome coffee spots in the greater Cincy area, enjoying being my wife Sherry’s middle school choir trip sound man and chaperone, supporting my wife and kids’ love for Disney, and trying to up my game at being a foodie (if you have brunch, featuring goetta, I will be there).

Favorite race distance: Marathon

Spot me at these races: The Hurm Dawg Frosty 5K, The Cincinnati Cyclones Frozen 10K, The Rock-n-Roll series Half Marathon in Washington DC, The 128th running of the Boston Marathon, and The July 4th Edgewood KY.5K,

Playing through my headphones: Been About It by Andy Mineo & Lecrae

On my plate for a post-race meal: Brunch! Give me all the pancakes and syrup with eggs and bacon or goetta.

My special race-day ritual: My favorite is when I get to gather for a group photo with my running group Tri-state Running Company. The excitement and nervousness is in the air, and I love it when I get to see my running peeps before a race and encourage one-another.

Advice for future PigWorks race participants: I said for years I would NEVER RUN. And I gradually watched myself do things I never dreamed of doing, going distances and paces I would have never imagined for myself. So START BELIEVING and go for it. And if you can, run with others while you train, because we all run better and further when we run together.

I'm a physical therapist and cross-country/track & field coach. I've been running for most of my life (including running the 800m at UC) but my love for running got reignited after recovering from open heart surgery in 2019.

Favorite race distance: 5K

Spot me in these races: Heart Mini, Honor Run half marathon or 10K

Playing through my headphones: "Hold Me Back" by Canon and Derek Minor

On my plate for a post-race meal: Cereal

My special race-day ritual: Peanut butter toast for breakfast. And getting to the race site early to get a good parking spot!

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Be ready to run in any weather!

Lost a quarter of a ton, and now enjoys running, exercising, traveling, spending time with family, friends, and having fun.

Favorite race distance: My favorite distance is the half marathon (completed 25), but love the challenge of the marathon as well. (completed 5)

Spot me in these races: Bay City Michigan St. Patrick's Day Race, Glass CIty Marathon, Flying Pig Marathon, The Crim Festival Of Races, North Country Trail Run, Bayshore Marathon, Charlevoix Marathon, Volkslaufe, Cape Cod, Newport, Detroit Free Press Marathon, Detroit Turkey Trot.

Playing through my headphones: Anything by Metallica

On my plate for a post-race meal: Chicken Parmesan or a burrito

My special race-day ritual: Wake up three hours early, start eating on schedule, get dressed a certain way, coffee, and listen to Lionel Ritchie music while getting ready.

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Get to Cincinnati early (make a long weekend out of it), take in the sights, go to the Expo a couple of times, walk around, enjoy yourself, train, be prepared for anything (I experienced and survived the 2022 Flying Pig) and most importantly have fun.

Multiple Flying Pig Marathon finisher and Pig enthusiast, conquering new challenges as a hearth disease thriver.

Favorite race distance: Marathon, but now I’m grateful for any distance.

Spot me in these races: Pig half, Queen Bee half, and maybe a few others along the way.

Playing through my headphones: The Man by Taylor Swift

On my plate for a post-race meal: Pizza - LaRosa or Dewey’s

My special race day ritual: Paint my nails to match the race

My advice for future PigWorks race participants: Don’t let the hills scare you, the crowds in Cincy are unlike any other. They will get you up and over the hills and you’ll hear the roar of the finish line from miles away

I am a Paratriathlete who is excited to share my love and journey of running. I race in World Triathlon representing the US and also Ironman 70.3 races while motivating and inspiring others to find gratitude in the journey.

Favorite race distance: I love longer races. It gives me the opportunity to experience to dive deep with myself and find the live and joy in the experience.

Spot me at these races: My 2024 race season is pretty stacked. I aim to run in a good portion of races throughout the city. My main focus is World Triathlon where I have some national and international races planned as well as a few Ironman 70.3's

Playing through my headphones: Anything upbeat. I mostly listen to podcasts, I love using that time as an opportunity to learn. If I'm doing some threshold work then that's where I turn on something like The Score

On my plate for a post-race meal: A healthy protein and water.

My special race-day ritual: I meditate, and stretch. I visualize myself crossing the finishline with a smile and just focus on strength, gratitude and loving the journey.

Advice for future PigWorks race participants: Have fun! That's why we show up to the startling, right? Because we love it. Keep the inner dialog strong and powerful, visualize yourself having already finished it powerful and with a smile. Meditate on that feeling before the race. You got this!!

I am a 3rd grade Spanish Immersion teacher by day, and runner by early morning/late evening. I enjoy encouraging others by sharing my story of going from a marching band nerd to a Boston Marathon finisher while training with my dog.

Favorite race distance: Marathon

Spot me at these races: Bock Beer 5K, Cherry Blossom 10 miler (Washington DC), and Chicago Marathon.

Playing through my headphones: Getaway Car by Taylor Swift

On my plate for a post-race meal: Macaroni and Cheese and coffee

My special race-day ritual: Every morning before a race I will make a double espresso and two packs of instant oatmeal.

Advice for future PigWorks race participants: Don't let the wheels come off until after you've make it through Eden Park - there are 4 hills to get through, but once you're through them you're mostly in the clear! I also recommend wearing just one headphone, because the crowd support is wonderful throughout the Pig!

I'm Emily, lifelong Cincinnati native who has been running for 7 years. I'm so excited to participate in the Pig Works races this year, including my first Three-Way with Extra Cheese!

Favorite race distance: Half marathon

Spot me in these races: I'm running the New York City Marathon in November!

Playing through my headphones: Any of the Big Bootie Mixes from Two Friends!

On my plate for a post-race meal: A hot cup of coffee and a bagel or muffin!

My special race-day ritual: I always start race day with my favorite pre-race meal (granola, toast, apple and peanut butter), a warm-up walk and saying hello to friends/family at the start line.

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Enjoy your training and race day experiences! You're doing something so remarkable and impressive - don't forget to enjoy it, too!

20+ Years and still loving running in the Cincinnati community! My ultimate Run Goals is to get more Running Buddies! Let's GO!

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon!

Spot me at these races: 128th Boston Marathon! Hyde Park Blast, Black Girls RUN! National Conference Run in Chicago, BTN Big 10K, Selma-Montgomery Relay, Savannah Women's, The Race ATL, Detroit Half, TDR 115th, Indy Monumental and a few more!

Playing through my headphones: Let's GO! (Calvin Harris & Neo)

On my plate for a post-race meal: Brunch!

My special race-day ritual: Lay my clothes out! Everything shirt, shorts, shoes including my BIB!

Advice for future PigWorks race participants: Register EARLY! Cuz it will sell out! Train! And get ready to enjoy some of the most FUN miles and run moments!

I love running and everything there is to it. I have completed over 50 half marathons and 7 full marathons including Chicago, Boston, Berlin, and New York.

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon

Spot me at these races: Tokyo Marathon and IMT Des Moines Half Marathon

Playing through my headphones: Till I Collapse Song by Eminem

On my plate for a post-race meal: Pizza

My special race-day ritual: Bathroom first and then the race.

Advice for future Pig Works race participants: Enjoy and have fun out there!

Hey there! My name is Katelyn and I ran my first PigWorks event in 2013, the Flying Pig Full Marathon. I am a adventure traveler and my favorite part of training is exploring new parts of Cincinnati! I am running the Flying Pig Marathon in honor of my cousin, Sam, who was diagnosed with ALS in May 2022.

Favorite race distance: Half marathon

Spot me in these races: Queen Bee Half Marathon and hopefully a 50k and 50-miler TBD!

Playing through my headphones: Elevate by Pap Chanel

On my plate for a post-race meal: Pizza!!

My special race-day ritual: I always get a new pair of socks for each race :)

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: I know training can be rough but the day of the race is so fun and makes all of that hard work so worth it!

Hi! I am a Cincy local who’s been dabbling in running for years. In 2023, I fell in love with the marathon distance and training with my friends. I’m a type 1 diabetic, Swiftie and Cat Mom.

Favorite race distance: I can’t believe I’m saying this, marathon

Spot me at these races: New York City Marathon, Yamacraw, probably a few more half’s!

Playing through my headphones: Formation by Beyoncé

On my plate for a post-race meal: McDonald’s Diet Coke & Bacon Cheeseburger

My special race-day ritual: My best friend braids my hair, calming music as I eat breakfast, my fiancé is always at the finish line with flowers.

Advice for future Pig Works race participants: Have fun!! Embrace the suck. Remember, race day is the celebration of all your hard work.

To be honest I didn’t dream of being a Boston Marathoner until I turned 60! I will be back this April, and in 2025! I just completed my 10th marathon in Chicago participating in the Abbott World Major Marathon Age Group Championships earning my 2nd star.

Favorite race distance: Half and Full Marathon

Spot me in these races: Celebration Half, Gasparilla Half, local 5k & 10K’s , Skyway Bridge 10K, Boston Marathon, all the Pigworks events, and hopefully get into NYC Marathon‼️

Playing through my headphones: I usually listen to either podcasts on running, sermons, or on self improvement

On my plate for a post-race meal: Another banana, chocolate milk and some kind of protein

My special race day ritual: A wonderful cup of coffee, banana and bagel I also try to make time for a warmup by myself to think and prepare for the race

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Get in your hill and strength training, know the course ahead of time to prepare your mind! Knowing that, relax and enjoy the course, Elvis,and all the energy from the crowd support! Don’t forget airplane arms and your smile at the finish swine‼️ 😃

Avid runner since 2010 after quitting 35+ years of smoking. Proudly a cincinnati/northern KY a resident and NKU professor.

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon

Spot me at these races: Full pig as part of the 4-way challenge, all the beer series and the FCC3.

Playing through my headphones: Anything Rush, Van Halen, Triumph or Molly Hatchet.

On my plate for a post-race meal: Beer and a Banana

My special race-day ritual: Coffee and walk to the event to loosen up and get the blood flowing.

Advice for future Pig Works race participants: Train hard, but enjoy your race day as you earned it!

I’m a late bloomer runner. It’s one of the best decisions I made and the ultimate in self care. I realize that health is wealth. However, I consider the friends I have made through running, the real treasure.

Favorite race distance: I love the ‘5k all day.’. It’s a great distance for me. I do challenge myself and run the 10K as well. Another great distance for me at my pace.

Spot me in these races: Savannah Women’s, Flying Pig, She Power - Indy, FCC, The Race in Atlanta, Queen Bee, Hot Chocolate - Columbus, Aruna, Bockfest among others.

Playing through my headphones: When I listen, I like an upbeat instrumental, that helps keep me moving at a consistent pace.

On my plate for a post-race meal: I am so hungry I can eat just about anything. I do love the grilled tuna salad from my favorite Mediterranean restaurant.

My special race day ritual: Hydrate early, half of a banana, coffee and energy chews. I also envision myself crossing the finish line and celebrating with my crew.

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Remember it’s ‘your race at your pace’. Remember why you started on the journey, that should be your motivation. And last but not least, enjoy the experience.

I am a 4 1/2 year old chocolate Labrador Retriever who loves to run, play ball, swim and paddle board. I love both two legged and four legged friends.

Favorite race distance: A 5k and a one mile race.

Playing through my headphones: Who let the dogs out

On my plate for a post-race meal: A banana with a little peanut butter.

My special race-day ritual: I play fetch with my Mom.

Advice for future PigWorks race participants: If you are four legged and participating in the Flying Fur for the first time, don’t be nervous about how fast you run. If don’t like running then just due a walk pace. Everyone is so friendly and nice and you will have a great time!!!!

I'm an ICU nurse and an anatomy & physiology professor at UC. Transplant from FL who enjoys traveling and running all around.

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon

Spot me at these races: Las Vegas Marathon & Chicago Marathon

Playing through my headphones: We Come Running - Youngblood Hawke

On my plate for a post-race meal: Coconut water and anything italian!

My special race-day ritual: Drink a bottle of water, stretch, and have a banana before race start.

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Pace yourself, be patient, and enjoy the run no matter how fast you're running.

I am a 54 year old male from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and have ran over 350 races including 25 marathons since 2017. I used to weigh over 400 lbs but, thanks to running, have lost 230 lbs and have an energy I never had before.

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon. It's long enough to be impressive when you finish it but not so long that it takes up the entire day running it and recovering from it.

Spot me at these races: Marine Corps Marathon, Detroit International Half, Amish Country Half Marathon, The Shawshank Hustle 7K, Cleveland Half Marathon

Playing through my headphones: I have an eclectic playlist that includes everything from "Lose Yourself" to songs from "Grease 2". But I always begin with "Eye of the Tiger" and end with "Theme From Rocky" to remind myself that it's not winning or losing that matters but just going the distance that makes you a champion.

On my plate for a post-race meal: A juicy cheeseburger and chocolate shake. Especially during the final miles of a long run, that is the main thing that I'm thinking about

My special race-day ritual: Having a small snack including a breakfast bar and Mountain Dew and making sure I went to the bathroom a few times before the race. Also, making sure to post my race day comments on all my Facebook Groups.

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Do not worry about your finish time. Enjoy and embrace the energy of the crowd and let them carry you through to the end. Make sure you pace yourself and do not be afraid to walk when needed.

I've been married to my wife, Jennifer, for nearly 25 years. We have two adult children, Tommy (23) and Kierstyn (22). I am a teacher at Dayton HS.

Favorite race distance: Half Marathon

Spot me at these races: FCA 5K, Tunnel to Towers 5K, Honor Run Half Marathon

Playing through my headphones: Most of the time I do not listen music while running. I like to take in the sights and sounds.

On my plate for a post-race meal: Pizza and couple bottles of Hoist.

My special race-day ritual: Typically before any race I will eat a Honeystinger waffle and drink a bottle of Hoist.

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: Have fun and enjoy the experience.

I have completed over 25 marathons, but in recent years I have spent more time reporting on other's running than actually running! (I manage social media for athletes (Harvey Lewis), races, (Big Dog's Backyard) and teams (US National 24 Hour Team)). This May will be my official return to "lacing them up" at my favorite marathon, the PIG!

Favorite race distance: The Marathon

Spot me at these races: Lake Sammamish Half Marathon (WA), Grandmas (MN), Richmond Marathon (VA)

Playing through my headphones: Run (Delta Rae)

On my plate for a post-race meal: When in Cincinnati, an Arthur's burger or Dewey's pizza, followed by a trip to Graeters for ice cream.

My special race-day ritual: Breakfast :45 prior to the race and some quiet time reflecting on the "why" and gratitude to be able to run and race.

My advice for future Pig Works race participants: On race weekend, soak it all in - from the expo to the post race party. The race is a celebration of months of hard work. I find it beneficial to source energy from a pace group early in the race and then from the spectators and crowds toward the end.