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Cincinnati, Ohio·Marathon & Half· First Sunday of May

Flying Pig Marathon Weather & What to Wear

A hilly, famously friendly Ohio River course that crosses into Kentucky twice. Early May brings warm, humid mornings and a real chance of thunderstorms.

By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.

The quick answer

Plan for about 57°F (14°C) at the 07:00 start, feeling like 56°F (13°C), with 87% humidity and 6 mph wind, warming to roughly 66°F (19°C) by the finish. It rained on 7 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Running Shorts, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket.

Average start

57°F (14°C)

Average finish

66°F (19°C)

Rain days

7 of 10 years

Start range

42° to 63°F

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Race-day weather, 2016 to 2025

Conditions at the 07:00 start on the race's usual date each year (first Sunday of May). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.

YearStart tempFeels likeFinishHumidityWindRainSky
202548°F (9°C)45°F52°F92%6 mph0.21 inDrizzle
202463°F (17°C)64°F74°F96%6 mph–Overcast
202362°F (17°C)64°F66°F93%5 mph0.45 inDrizzle
202262°F (17°C)62°F70°F94%9 mph0.28 inOvercast
202160°F (16°C)55°F73°F61%9 mph0.09 inOvercast
202062°F (17°C)64°F70°F94%3 mph0.57 inRain
201952°F (11°C)49°F64°F90%7 mph–Overcast
201856°F (13°C)56°F71°F93%4 mph0.13 inOvercast
201742°F (6°C)35°F55°F57%8 mph–Clear
201661°F (16°C)63°F68°F99%5 mph0.35 inMostly clear

Coldest start: 42°F (6°C) in 2017. Warmest: 63°F (17°C) in 2024. Wettest: 0.57 in in 2020.

What to wear for a typical Flying Pig

Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.

Upper body

  • essential

    Short Sleeve Tech Shirt

    Breathable running tee

  • essential

    Waterproof Jacket

    Breathable rain protection

Lower body

  • essential

    Running Shorts

    Lightweight with built-in brief

Accessories

  • essential

    Running Cap

    Keep rain out of eyes

Footwear

  • recommended

    Trail or Waterproof Shoes

    Better grip and water resistance

Race-day tips for the Flying Pig

  • •This is near-ideal racing weather. Dress as if it were 15°F warmer than the start temperature and resist the urge to add a layer.
  • •Humidity here is high. Sweat will not evaporate well, so wear the lightest, most open fabric you own and apply anti-chafe balm generously.
  • •It has rained on 7 of the last 10 race days. Pack a brimmed cap and a disposable poncho for the start, and consider a second pair of socks for the drop bag.
  • •Nothing new on race day: run your long runs in exactly what you plan to race in, including the socks.

Race-day gear picks

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weather usually like for the Flying Pig Marathon?

Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 57°F (14°C) (feels like 56°F (13°C)) with 87% humidity and 6 mph wind, warming to about 66°F (19°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 7 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 42°F (6°C) in 2017; the warmest was 63°F (17°C) in 2024.

What should I wear for the Flying Pig?

For a typical 57°F (14°C) start: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Running Shorts, Running Cap, Waterproof Jacket. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.

When is the next Flying Pig?

The Flying Pig Marathon is usually held on first Sunday of May. The next expected date is Sunday, May 2, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.

How accurate is the race-day forecast?

The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.

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