Flying Pig delays 5K, other Saturday races due to rain

The 5K and races scheduled to follow were delayed Saturday morning due to the weather, according to Flying Pig officials.

Officials announced that the 5K, originally scheduled for 10 a.m., will now start at noon.

The following races were also given new start times:

• Piglet: noon.
• 26th mile: 12:30 p.m.
• Pigabilities: 1 p.m.
• Flying Fur: 2 p.m.

Participants were asked to seek shelter at Paycor Stadium and open garages.

Ponding of water and frequent lightning could still pose issues through 11 a.m., the National Weather Service in Wilmington said.

A flood advisory has been issued for Hamilton, Kenton, Grant, Gallatin, Carroll, Campbell, Boone, Ohio, and Switzerland counties until 12:30 p.m.

This is not the first time that the Flying Pig races have been delayed. In 2023, Flying Pig’s officials issued a shelter-in-place 45 minutes into the marathon, but FOX19 Chief Meteorologist Steve Horstmeyer said that wasn’t enough and explained why the organizers’ decision not to delay the race put everyone’s safety at risk.

“A lot of courses are like this – where are you going to shelter in place? There’s miles where there’s nowhere to shelter, so that really wasn’t a good policy,” Horstmeyer said in 2023. “Lightning is very powerful - think of your household current, maybe 15-20 volts is enough to kill you – well lightning bolts can be 70,000 - 80,000 AMS, and that’s enough to do a lot of damage ... if you’re next to someone struck, you’re likely to get struck also.”

This year, race organizers added extra staff and resources from the National Weather Service. The Flying Pig has never been canceled due to weather. No refunds will be issued in case of a weather cancellation, according to the event's website .

Organizers said in an email that if you are unable to participate and would like to switch your registration to a virtual event, please email registration@flyingpigmarathon.com by 12 p.m. Sunday, the day of the marathon.

Those looking to transfer to virtual can also visit the registration desk at the P&G Health and Fitness Expo until 5 p.m. Saturday at the Duke Energy Convention Center.

This story will be updated.

Enquirer media partner Fox19 contributed.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Flying Pig delays 5K, other Saturday races due to rain