If you are looking for a half marathon that runs through Cincinnati, this is it! I run the flying…read morepig marathon every year and have for about the past 10 years. If you are looking for a race that runs through Cincinnati, and you do not want to run 26 miles, check out the queen bee half marathon. It runs a little section of the flying pig, as you do run through Eden park and through Oakley, as well as a portion of Riverside Drive. It is definitely a shorter version of the pig but a perfect way to get a glimpse of Cincinnati. Good news: This race is in the fall! That means you'll get all the views, but it won't be as hot as the flying pig. History starts at the hard rock casino downtown Cincinnati and ends and saw your point. It's a great one to add to your list!

The Queen Bee is such an amazing Cincinnati event, I'm really glad I did the 4 miler this year!…read more The Queen Bee is a 4 mile and half-marathon race put on by the same people as the Flying Pig. The difference is that it is a race just for women! Yes, men can run it too, but they put them in a separate corral in the back and when I ran it almost 95% of the people running were women. So it's super empowering and fun! The 4 miler is a great distance if you're not a serious runner. Just a little bit more than a 5K, but I didn't have to train for it or anything. We started near Jack Casino and ran up to Eden Park past the Krohn Conservatory and then back down and ended near the Sawyer Point area. There are people cheering you on all along the race, runners dress up like Wonder Woman or fun outfits, and people are just having a great time. The race is extremely well-organized, and I do feel like I got my money's worth for my registration fee ($45 for 4 mile race). There is an expo the day before where you pick up your packet. There is also a party after the race with live music, mimosas, etc and it was a great time. The medals are also the prettiest medals I've ever gotten from a race...They're sparkly and cute and come with a really nice ribbon. I can't wait to display it! I jog-walked it with a group of girlfriends and we will definitely do it again next year. I highly recommend women of all fitness levels sign up, since there were quite a few walkers for the 4 mile race!

So excited and happy to be part of this great cause. My boyfriend and I wanted to run a 5k and…read morefound out about the Hunger Run/Walk. We jumped in and signed up right away ($25.00 a person which gets you a goody bag, long sleeve shirt, post race refreshments, chip timing and race bib). This year it was held by Matthew 25: Ministries in Blue Ash. I've heard about the run a couple years back (at the time the event was downtown) but never got a chance to do it. My work also volunteers from time to time at Matthew Ministries and have nothing but good things to say. Proceeds for the race benefit Matthew 25: Ministries' work with the people in need in the Greater Cincinnati, throughout the U.S., and around the world .This race also kicks off the Hunger 5K Food Drive, which raises food products for local pantries and shelters. There were roughly 4000 people at this event and I'm happy with the huge turn out. Not only did my boyfriend and I had a blast, but we ran it in good timing. Looking forward to next year.

The Hunger Walk is a great way to support Free Store Foodbank…read more The Hunger Walk occurs every year on Memorial Day. Previous years were at Sawyer Point but more recently the event has taken place at the Banks. Entry was $20 this year (tax deductible) with an optional $5 charge for a shirt. Sign up with your local pantry to give them credit. The race is a bit hilly, and participants are of all abilities. Most participants are not competitive, if you are not super fast, no problem with this race. There are medals for the top finishers. Snacks and music are always available at the end of the race and many people stick around to socialize. Sometimes new products (food and beverage) are showcased, but not always. Overall a great race for a great cause.

If you aren't laughing or having a good time, you're doing it wrong!…read more Wow! I never thought I'd find myself running around sans shirt in Yelp pasties http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/5wmxXfDLfT0_Ub16QwJtrA?select=VczvidtpSZjxcnEw1J13OQ in 40 degree weather for a good cause (Freestore Foodbank), but I'm so glad I did. *BTW, going topless is rather crazy and totally optional. Ditto Stacey and Nathan's tips. Overall, my advice is to just have fun and don't take it too seriously. There are of course people that treat this like the Olympics, and the prizes are decent (money$$$), but I'd rather just enjoy my time with friends. Whoever had the silly string really got that stuff everywhere. I saw it at so many points along the route, you must have had a dozen cans of it. *Very special thanks to the team that let us look at their map (ours might have been stolen??, curses sabotagers, ha ha!), we'd still be wandering around without you. There were some very creative and hilarious teams. It's amazing what people can come up with! I really liked the Forrest Gump team. And if you guys are reading this, that team that gave you $%&# about not being tethered, blah blah blah, well they can go (fill in the blank). Oh, and thanks for the chocolate :) So, next year, rustle up 4 other friends and a shopping cart, and have an amazing time. You only live once...

Cinciditarod is an annual scavenger hunt race that benefits the Freestore Foodbank. Held the first…read moreweekend in March during Bockfest, teams consist of five players pulling a (legally acquired) shopping cart. It's a reverse dog sled race, and the players must stay tethered to the cart at all times. Teams come up with a theme, wear costumes, and decorate their cart. I was on team Material Girls, which featured five genres of Madonnas through the ages. While there is an award for fastest time, most people participate in the race because its fun, not because they're marathon runners. Heck, my team ran for five blocks before we got winded and decided to walk the rest of the journey. Along the 5 mile route, teams trek from Fountain Square to as far north as Findlay Market, as far south as Covington, and up the grueling steep Liberty Hill. Armed with a map and cunning, teams must perform tasks at check points along the way: - Purchase a $25.00 bag of groceries from Kroger on Vine Street. - Deliver bag of groceries to Freestore Foodbank - Perform a musical skit - Eat a sack of pretzels and drink a gallon of generic Sunny Delight - Complete a trivia sheet about Cincinnati history - Run an obstacle course - Get your picture taken by event officials While all this is going on, other teams may be trying to booby-trap your team by spraying silly string, glitter, or duct taping your cart. "Who would do such a thing!?!" you ask. Teams like mine, who sabotaged 16 carts this year. Mwahaha! Our team finished just under two hours, and while we did not win any awards (nor were we trying to) we all had an amazing time. Tips: - Bring plenty of water in your cart - Bring a knife or scissors to cut yourself free from any duct tape sabotage - Wear layers and bring a coat. You can throw in in the cart when once you're running and warm. It's early March. It's cold outside. You'll need a coat. Suggestions: - Instead of the eating contest consisting of junk food, perhaps we could have a healthy alternative? I'm intolerant of processed foods (like Generic Sunny D) and in previous years people have vomited from eating junk (Cheetos, nutty buddy bars, liters of soda, Hawaiian Punch). How about some veg? COST: Registration Fee: $45.00 ($9.00 per team member) Grocery donation from Kroger: $25.00 ($5.00 per team member)

Race for the Cure is a yearly fundraiser for Susan G Komen via the local Cincinnati chapter…read more Pervious events have taken place downtown and have included a 5k and 10k. This year's event occurred at Coney Island and included entry into the park as a bonus. Only the 5k was offered this year. Race for the Cure is always a well attended event filled with pink everything and smiling faces. There are copious vendors and lots of giveaways. The Coney Island route consisted of two loops so those not wanting to do a full 5k could do half the distance. For serious races I would note that this is not an event where you are likely to PR. The race and everything about it is packed with people and the focus is really less on the race and more on the cause- and they are very successful raising awareness and money for the cause. Special announcements and areas are also in place for survivors which is really nice. Overall this is a great fundraising event!

We just love Thornhill race track not too big not too small good people good food good time...read more

A true slice of Americana. This is the world's oldest continuously operating drag strip. You can…read morerace anything, from street cars like Cadillac Escalades to real dragsters and everything in-between. Spectators are only $10 and kids under 12 are free. You can bring your own food and drinks (including alcohol), and pull right up to the fence to watch. There are also a few bleachers where you can watch the action up by the starting line. They do sell food and drink as well and have decent bathrooms. It's loud and dusty, exactly how a drag strip should be. They race every Saturday from April - October, weather permitting. Check it out!

Avoca Park is such a peaceful spot tucked right along the Little Miami Trail. The paths are…read morewell‑kept, the scenery is beautiful, and it's an easy place to unwind whether you're walking, biking, or just sitting by the water. Parking is convenient, and the whole area feels clean and safe. A great local escape when you want some fresh air and quiet.

Avoca seems to be more a part of the Little Miami Bike Trail than it is a park on it's own. That is…read moreunless you are there for the soccer fields/open green space. The trail itself is a paved multi-use trail that connects to other trails and parks. On a Saturday morning the trail is super busy. Cyclists, skaters, runners/joggers and walkers are all in account. There was even a guy riding his skateboard like a paddle board. The trail is smooth. There are some inclines that add a degree or three of difficulty if on a bike. From the Avoca connector trail it is an easy walk to Fifty West's new Burger Bar, as well as the Bass Island connector. A Hamilton County Great Parks parking pass is required for parking. Passes are not sold at this location.

Nice and clean park. The park was rededicated in 1997, and the name was changed from Forest Park to…read moreVeteran's Park. Near the front of the park is a flag and monument with a replica of the Liberty Bell. The trail is a 0.4 mile "Jogging Trail." The path is wide, and covered in gravel. The width allows it to accommodate walkers and runners. The trail also doubles (or is it triples?) as a StoryWalk location, and a parcours trail. Pages from a children's book are posted along the trail; 19 pages were poated in all. Our first lap consisted of a leisurely stroll to reading the book. Subsequent laps had us picking up the pace. All of the parcours equipment looks to be well maintained. Playground has a little bit for every. (Under 12 that is.) This is both in age and ability. The playground includes a handicap swing, wheelchair ramp for the climbing structure, and a raised sand table that can accommodate wheelchairs. There is a playhouse and climbing fake logs with a woodland feel. We arrived at the park early, and had the playground to ourselves until about 10:30am. Along with the trail and playground, the park also boasts soccer fields, a baseball field, basketball court, picnic shelters with bbq and a fire pit. The fire pit may only be used by appointment only. As long as it is deemed safe weather, the Anderson Township park system will try and leave a bathroom unlocked.

This might be one of my favorite hidden gems in Anderson…read more This park is always empty! It amazes me that there's never more than a few walkers on the trail. If you're looking for a quiet place to read or take the kiddos, I recommend any week day morning. The walking trail/path is always clean and clear of debris. It is a quarter mile loop. The playground is one of the best. This tops Ault and Beech Acres and has better aspects than Juliffs. I love bringing my little here! There's a very large shelter by the playground, perfect for parties. It's huge! There's also a couple baseball diamonds so this park must get busy at some point! The only downfall is the name. I think often times it gets confused for the big helicopter park named Veterans Park. This is totally different, in the heart of Anderson. I recommend this park for a quiet getaway!

This was a dandy park we found in the Delhi area. There is a lot of area here with lots of various…read morethings to do. I saw a few playground areas, a volleyball court, and several eating areas complete with grills. We decided to take the walking path which had some various parkour exercising stations (20 in total) along it to help stimulate your walk. I think we figured it was about 1.5 miles or so atound it because we took 2 laps to reach our 3 mile goal. The huge hills definitely add some challenge to that as well. That was what I found on this trip and when I come back and find more I will update this review. Definitely worth checking out.

This is a nice park within easy distance from the city center. Be aware though that this is a…read moreHamilton County park, so you will need either an annual pass or $3 to to gain entry. (Tip: the annual pass is only $10) A friend and I went here in search of an easy, short hike and saw that there was a 1 mile fitness trail. We were kind of horribly incorrect about this being an easy breezy walk in the park though. If you go through and do (or in my case poorly attempt) all of the activities along the trail, it's exhausting! We're already planning a return trip until we conquer it, because it kind of conquered us this time. It started off deceptively easy, drawing us in with jumping jacks and leg stretches before launching into a SUPER inclined sit up area followed by a series of upper body workouts involving pull ups and twirling from metal rings. The series of stairs to run up is no joke either, since the spacing essentially means you are jumping while running. By the time we finished, we had both gotten a heck of a workout! We saw a ton of people walking dogs on the trail and the playground area was packed. There is also a frisbee golf course there, which a handful of people were out enjoying. But man, that fitness course!