Flying Pig Pump and Run
The Flying Pig Pump and Run: bench press your way to a faster half marathon in Cincinnati.
Race Date
May 2, 2026
Location
Cincinnati, OH
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Location
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 26.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 181,183
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Flying Pig Pump and Run isn't your typical half marathon. Part of Cincinnati's beloved Flying Pig race weekend—a multi-day festival that's been called the 'largest weekend party in town'—this event adds a strength challenge to the 13.1-mile distance. Before you run, you bench press a percentage of your body weight based on age and gender, and every repetition shaves time off your final result. For the half marathon, each rep is worth two minutes, up to 50 reps—a potential 1 hour and 40 minutes of deduction. It's a unique test of power and pace.
The race itself takes place in Cincinnati, a city known for its vibrant running community. The Flying Pig weekend draws thousands of runners—recent editions have seen around 5,700 finishers across events, with a loyal base of about 34% returning year after year. The half marathon course is USATF certified with a net drop of just 0.05 m/km and only 1% start/finish separation, making it a point-to-point route that's as fair as they come. While the course is primarily road, don't let the flat elevation profile fool you—the pump adds a whole new dimension.
Beyond the personal challenge, the Pump and Run supports a cause: Urban Outreach NKY/Cincinnati is raising funds to install a commercial AC system at their Covington gym, serving under-resourced individuals. Awards go to the fastest net run times in each age group, and Pump Club medals recognize lifting prowess—bronze for 10-19 reps, silver for 20-29, and gold for 30 or more. Whether you're chasing a PR or just want to try something different, this race promises a memorable day.
Race-provided description
Strength Meets Speed for a Cause! Urban Outreach NKY/Cincinnati is back with the PUMP N’ RUN—the ultimate test of power and pace. We’re not just hitting the pavement; we’re raising the funds needed to install a commercial AC system at our Covington gym, where those who are under-resourced, can still work out. How does it work? The Pump N’ Run combines weightlifting and running skills within one unique event. A person bench presses a percentage of their body weight based upon an age and gender handicap, and each bench repetition reduces their run time. A lighter lift formula is used for the longer Half and Full Marathon Runs. In addition to awards given in each age group for the “Fastest Net Run Time”, there are also Pump Club medals which can be earned. 10 to 19 reps earns a “Bronze” 10-Pump Club Medal20 to 29 reps earns a “Silver” 20-Pump Club Medal30+ reps earns the ultimate “Gold” 30-Pump Club Medal. | Race Distance | Time Off Per Rep | Max Reps | Max Time Deduction |
| 5K | 30 Seconds | 30 Reps | 15 Minutes | | 10K | 1 Minute | 30 Reps | 30 Minutes | | Half Marathon | 2 Minutes | 50 Reps | 1 Hour 40 Minutes | | Full Marathon | 4 Minutes | 50 Reps | 3 Hours 20 Minutes | Note: You must be able to bench press your designated weight at least twice to be eligible for the PUMP N' RUN competition. Please see the Lift Charts on our website www.urbanoutreachnky.com/flying-pig-pump-n-run to find your specific weight and review the Lift Rules for proper technique. You must register for the Flying Pig race in addition to the Pump N Run. Register for the Flying Pig at flyingpigmarathon.com
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Start Time
6:30 AM
Start Location
525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.05 m
Separation
0.8%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
OH26005JHP · Flying Pig Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7222 years running
~10,325 finishers a year
shrinking
34% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:09:58
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
52°
Afternoon (High)
70°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 181,183 finishers actually crossed the line across 21 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
181,183
Median time
2:26:04
Latest turnout
5,686
States
51
Turnout by year
2019–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Flying Pig Pump and Run?
The Flying Pig Pump and Run was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, starting at 6:30 AM. The next edition is on April 30, 2027.
Where does the Flying Pig Pump and Run take place?
It takes place in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What distances does the Flying Pig Pump and Run offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 26.2 Miles.
Is the Flying Pig Pump and Run course flat and good for a PR?
The Flying Pig Pump and Run is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Flying Pig Pump and Run?
HalfRuns has finish records for 181,183 runners who have completed the Flying Pig Pump and Run.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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