Friday, May 07, 1999
The best of the local races
Not willing to travel for great runs? Here are some events in the Tristate worth checking out
1. FLYING PIG MARATHON
Length: 26.2 miles
When: May
Why is it unique? May 9 is the first-ever running of a marathon in Cincinnati. As talk about this race has heated up the last few months, many of the nation's top runners have decided to skip it because of its hilly route.
And hills, though scenic, translate into poor times for those trying to qualify for either the Boston Marathon or the U.S. Olympic Trials. But for first-time marathoners, or anyone who isn't trying to break any world records, it is certainly manageable.
The second five miles take the course from Pete Rose Way up Eggleston Avenue and Gilbert Avenue to Eden Park. The course rises more than 300 feet in that span.
That's when one of the area's top runners, T.J. Lentz, recommends to simply take it all in.
“That's a good time to take it easy and enjoy the course,” he said.
2. HEART MINI-MARATHON
Length: 15K (9.6 miles)
When: March
Why is it unique? One of the bookends of the racing season, this race promotes cardiovascular fitness and raises funds to support the American Heart Association's research and community education programs.
If you've ever left downtown and headed east on Columbia Parkway, you'd think this was a flat course. But when you run the nine-plus mile route, it is quite deceiving.
This race is popular for many corporate-team runs, and there is a 5K run/walk as well as a 2K Kids' Fun Run. About 9,000 runners participated in this year's Mini-Marathon, and that number normally increases each year.
3. DEVIL TAKE THE HINDMOST
Length: Varies
When: February
Why is it unique? Run in Al's Nest Park in O'Bryonville, this race is quite unique.
The course is about the size of a high school track. After the first lap, which covers about 400 meters, the last-place runner is eliminated.
The number of participants determines the number of laps run. After each subsequent lap the last-place runner is eliminated until only one runner is left.
4. THANKSGIVING DAY RACE
Length: 10K (6.4 miles)
When: Thanksgiving Day
Why is it unique: Six months from its 90th running, this race is the oldest in the Midwest, and the fifth-oldest in the country. About 5,000 runners participate in this race, one of the few point-to-point runs in the area.
A point-to-point race is one where the starting and finishing lines are not at the same location. The Thanksgiving Day Run, the closing bookend of the racing season, begins at Latonia Shopping Center in Covington and ends at the Greater Cincinnati Convention Center.
“The bussing of runners may be inconvenient, but crossing the bridge is all part of the tradition,” local running authority Don Connolly said.
5. THE REGGAE RUN
Length: 5K
When: October
Why is it unique? This race was started earlier this decade in honor of slain Hyde Park jogger Maria Olberding. She enjoyed reggae music, so friends and family organized a race through scenic Ault Park near her home.
Whereas many races take place on Saturday or Sunday mornings, the Reggae Run takes place on a Friday evening and is followed by a reggae concert with food and refreshments.
About 4,000 runners participated last year, and that number grows annually.
“The race gets a little crowded in Ault Park, but it sure is scenic on a Friday night in the fall, and Maria really liked reggae music,” Connolly said.
Flying Pig Marathon Guide
