Friday, May 07, 1999
Schedule and important info
Here's the rundown on Flying Pig Marathon weekend:
Friday
• 3-9 p.m.: Health and Fitness Expo at the Hyatt Regency, downtown.
Saturday
• 9 a.m.: Cincinnati Recreation Commission Kids Fun Run and Cincinnati Museum Center
• 9 a.m.-9 p.m.: Health and Fitness Expo, Hyatt Regency
• 11:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: Runneršs World Clinics at the Convention Center. Speakers include Flying Pig executive director Mike Boylan at 11:15 a.m.-11:45 and 3:15-3:45 p.m. and John "The Penguin" Bingham and Bart Yasso of Runneršs World noon-1:30 p.m. and 5-5:30 p.m. There's also a panel discussion on keys to running your best race, including Karen Cosgrove, Sarann Mock, Bob Platt and John Sence 2-3 p.m.
Sunday
• 4:30-5:00 a.m. (earlier, depending on where you live): If you're not already up ... GET UP!!
• 6:30 a.m.: Non-denominational Sunrise Service at Fountain Square downtown
• 6:50 a.m.: Cincinnati Rotary Club Open Wheelchair start
• 6:55 a.m.: Cincinnati Rotary Club Quad Wheelchair start
• 7:05 a.m.: Marathon and first-leg relay runners will start. Marathon officials suggest all marathon runners and all relay runners be in the starting area near Fountain Square by 6 a.m.
• Noon: Awards, at the Cincinnati Museum Center finish area
• 12:30 p.m.: Course closes
• Noon-5 p.m.: Post-race party at the Museum Center presented by Mix 94.1. Entertainment includes Elaine and the Biscaynes 12:45-2:30 p.m. and Robin Lacey & DeZydeco 3-4:45 p.m.
Important info
• Runner packet pickup: At the Health and Fitness Expo today and Saturday. Cincinnati area runners should claim chip, bib, runners goodies and see the selection of marathon merchandise.
Runners must have photo ID available and sign a form acknowledging that the chip will be returned after the race. If you can't pick up your packet in person, please have someone pick it up for you. Just have them bring a copy of your photo ID. Clydesdale and Athena weight class runners will be weighed at check-in.
• Registration: Organizers do not anticipate reaching the cap of 7,500 runners, so you can still enter the race at the Expo today or Saturday. Cost now is $75. BUT: There is no race-day registration.
• The Chip: The ChampionChip, part of your race packet, is every bit as important as your bib number. Do not forget it. Put it on your running shoe as soon as you get it. The chip must be worn on your shoe (ankle, for relay runners). You must run over the mats at the start, 10K, halfway point, 30K and finish if you miss any mat, your finish won't be reported. The chip must be returned after the race to receive a finisher medal volunteers will be there to help out.
• The bib: Bib numbers must be worn on race day. The number should be clearly visible on the front of clothing.
• Where to begin: Line up according to pace signs that will be posted. If you're a slower runner too far up front, you might get sucked out at a pace that's too fast for your racing level.
• Water stations: There will be at least one water and fluid (lemon-lime Gatorade) station after every mile mark.
• Food: Bananas will be available at the 15- and 20-mile marks. Power Gel will be at the water stop at mile 18. Because Power Gel flavors and quantities will be limited, it may be smart to bring your own.
• Clocks: At every mile, plus at the 10K, halfway point and 30K points.
• Medical help: Medical staff will be ready to assist at any time, and have the right to withdraw any runner who appears in distress or at risk. There will be a fully equipped medical facility at the finish line for runners.
Parking
• Saturday: According to race officials, parking will be competitive because of proms, Jammin' On Main and other events.
• Sunday: Parking will be relatively easy downtown. Please park at many garage and surface lots and take Metro shuttle buses back to downtown after the race.
More info
• Web site: www.cincymarathon.org
Enquirer staff writer Reon Carter contributed to this report.
Flying Pig Marathon Guide
