Flying Pig Marathon 2026 Course Changes Announced

Runners will see route adjustments due to construction projects in the region

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:52pm

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The Flying Pig Marathon, one of the largest running events in the Cincinnati region, has announced changes to its 2026 course. The full marathon route has been certified, while details on the half marathon, 10K, and 5K races are still being finalized. Key changes include a new start line location, a revised path through Newport and Covington, and adjustments in Cincinnati to avoid construction on the Fourth Street Bridge and Brent Spence Corridor Project.

Why it matters

The Flying Pig Marathon is a beloved annual tradition that draws thousands of runners to the Queen City. These course changes will impact the experience for both veteran and first-time participants, requiring them to adjust their training and race-day plans. The updates also highlight the logistical challenges of hosting a major event like this amid ongoing infrastructure projects in the region.

The details

The 2026 Flying Pig Marathon will now start a block east on Rosa Parks Street instead of Elm Street, though the finish line will remain on West Mehring Way. The course will travel farther into Newport, going from Brighton Street to 11th Street, before returning through Covington on Greenup Street and taking the Fourth Street bridge back into Cincinnati. Once in the city, runners will take a different route, going 3rd Street to Vine Street to 2nd Street then to 7th Street up to Gilbert Avenue into Eden Park. There will also be minor changes in the Mariemont area, with runners no longer using the bike path to reach Columbia Parkway.

  • The Flying Pig Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026.
  • Organizers plan to announce the certified half marathon course very soon, as its certification by USA Track & Field is complete.
  • Training meetups for the Flying Pig events will begin in March 2026 and run through April 2026.

The players

Doug Olberding

CEO of Pig Works, the organization that hosts the Flying Pig Marathon.

Anna Myers

Representative from Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services and the Pig Abilities program, which supports athletes with disabilities participating in the Flying Pig events.

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What they’re saying

“Finding a group, you know, so Pig Abilities to get people together, to run together and to socialize is really important. So I think, you know, if you're having trouble with motivation, find a group. You know, there's nothing more motivating than knowing there's somebody waiting on the corner for you to show up, and they're not going to leave until you get there.”

— Doug Olberding, CEO, Pig Works (WLWT)

“Hamilton County Developmental Disability Services, where I work, we support more than 10,000 folks that have developmental disabilities. Well, we participate with Queen City Running Club in doing these training meetups for the Flying Pig Weekend for Pig Abilities, which is a one mile event for athletes that have disabilities. People can come, run, walk or roll.”

— Anna Myers, Representative, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (WLWT)

What’s next

Runners can tune into the Flying Pig Marathon website for an official announcement on the new course maps and details on the half marathon, 10K, and 5K races once they are finalized.

The takeaway

The changes to the 2026 Flying Pig Marathon course highlight the logistical challenges of hosting a major running event in a growing urban area, as organizers must adapt to ongoing infrastructure projects and construction. However, the race's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, as seen through initiatives like Pig Abilities, remains a core part of the event's enduring appeal.