Youth Program

The Flying Pig Marathon has events for all ages and abilities! Get your own herd of pigs flying by becoming an official Flying Pig Youth Group and enjoy some special perks along the way. Our youth program staff will provide you with the support and resources that you need to get started! Not affiliated with a group? No problem, our program can be used as a great family fitness project too!

Which Flying Pig events are available to youth groups?

  • 26th Mile (1 mile, untimed event for Kids’ Marathon training program participants grades K-6th but no age limit enforced)
  • Toyota 10K (must be 12 years of age by race day)
  • Queen City Running 5K (no age requirement)
  • Piglet Fun Run presented by First Watch (short dashes according to age group starting with the Pampers Diaper Dash up to age 7)

To get your group involved and learn more please contact us at kids@flyingpigmarathon.com.

Know an area high school cross country or track and field athlete? Check out the Flying Pig High School Scholarship.

Training Programs

 

The Fly Up to 5K is the next phase of the Flying Pig Youth Program and has very similar components to the Kids’ Marathon incremental program. It’s geared to older children in grades 6-8 or those in elementary school who have already completed the 26th Mile and are looking for a new running challenge.

Our goal is to keep youth engaged with the Flying Pig throughout their adolescent years in hopes that they continue to practice healthy habits and stay active. Similar to our Kids’ Marathon program, students can train for the 5K together as a group during the weeks leading up to the Flying Pig 5K. Our 5K Hog Log can be used as a training tracker and also includes healthy living and nutrition tips. Participant amenities include event shirt, finisher medal and other perks.

Schools and other youth groups can sign up as an official Fly Up to 5K group by emailing us at kids@flyingpigmarathon.com.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Check out this 5K training guide from Fleet Feet Cincinnati

Beginner 5K Program: This beginner version is designed for those who may not be runners yet but want to challenge themselves to complete a 5K! It slowly progresses from walking and running intervals until you can run a full 5K!

Intermediate 5K Running Program: This program is designed for those who are athletic and can already run at least a mile without walking. It is designed for athletes who want to stay in shape during the offseason or begin to compete at the 5K level.

5K HOG LOG

Download the 2025 5K Hog Log

5K MAP & FAQs

Check it out on the 5K overview page by clicking here

 

The Flying Pig Kids’ Marathon is an award-winning youth fitness program of the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. Our youth program is a fun way for school-aged children to be involved in the community celebration leading up to and during Flying Pig Marathon Weekend. Crossing the Flying Pig Marathon finish “swine” and earning a real Flying Pig medal, we hope, will set the stage for a lifetime of healthy behaviors.

Get more information in the 26th Mile event page.

We’re partnering with Great Parks to encourage youth to enjoy activities outdoors! There are 10 events being held at surrounding Great Parks locations that youth can attend to count towards their training for the 26th mile or Flying Pig 5K. 

All sessions require registration. To register, click here, and select the desired event date on the calendar to bring up that session's registration button.

Event Dates: 

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Hikin’ For Lichen - March 2 | 1 p.m. 

    Let’s go hikin’ for lichen! Ranging from our backyards to volcanic cliffsides or even outer space, lichen is all around us. Let’s satisfy our likin’ for lichen on this one-mile romp through the forest.

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Miami Whitewater Forest | Timberlakes Program Shelter

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Tree Time - March 11 | 6 p.m. 

    From buds and bees to birds and blooms, log a mile while you awaken your senses to the early signs of spring! Explore the forests from a tree’s point of view and go nuts with the budding energy around us.

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Embshoff Woods | Rivermount Pavilion

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Survival Hike - March 16 | 10 a.m. 

    Get your wild on and dig into your resources to conquer the hills of Miami Whitewater Forest. Look for wild tracks, conquer a compass and level up your survival skills on this wilderness trek to log another mile!

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Miami Whitewater Forest | Timberlakes Program Shelter

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Eastern Red Bat Search Party - March 22 | 10 p.m. 

    It’s a leaf, it’s a bird…it’s an Eastern Red Bat! Scout out the woods and search for these incognito cuties while tallying another mile!

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Miami Whitewater Forest | Timberlakes Program Shelter

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Bird is the Word - March 29 | 8 a.m. 

    It’s migration season and the birds are a chirpin’! Catch sight as they catch flight along the beautiful trails of Miami Whitewater Forest and log your mile. 

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Miami Whitewater Forest | Timberlakes Program Shelter

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Fool's Hike - April 1 | 6 p.m. 

    Let’s get foolish on this April’s fool’s hike! From goofy games to wacky jokes, join us as we goof our way to another mile!

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Fernbank Park | Lee Shelter

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Sunset Hike - April 6 | 6 p.m. 

    The sun goes down and the fun goes up, as sunset is the most active time for animals in the woods! Let’s see what we can spot on this one-mile hike at Miami Whitewater Forest. 

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Miami Whitewater Forest | Timberlakes Program Shelter

    * Note: time due to sunset time*

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Ancient Ingenuity - April 13 | 1 p.m. 

    People have lived on the land of Shawnee Lookout for thousands of years. Become acquainted with the engineering accomplishments and cultural beauty of the people who originally called this land home. 

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Shawnee Lookout | Miami Fort Trail

  • Hog Log Hiking Series: Mushroom Walk - April 19 | 4 p.m. 

    April is the time for mushrooms to make their mark by coloring the forest floor. Zoom in on these decomposers while you log this mile-long hike! Magnifying glasses will be provided.

    Cost: $2/participant

    Ages: 5+

    Location: Mitchell Memorial Forest | Wood Duck Trailhead

  • Hog Log Bog Slog - April 26 | 10 a.m. | Miami Whitewater Forest | Visitor's Center

Youth Program Links