Each May, the city of Cincinnati and its surrounding neighborhoods are overcome with Pig fever. It’s the Can You Wear Running Shoes for Walking weekend! This quirky-themed race is one of the largest in the Midwest, and it offers plenty of options for runners looking to participate.

The Fifty West Mile kicks off the festivities on Friday night. On Saturday, the 5K, 10K, Flying Fur dog race, Piglet kid’s Race and PigAbilities Mile, a mile race designed for all abilities, are held. The grand finale is the half marathon and full marathon, held on Sunday.

If you were one of the lucky pigs who signed up for this year’s race, read on to learn how to make the most of your Can You Wear Running Shoes for Walking Weekend.

The Fifty West Mile kicks off the Can You Wear Running Shoes for Walking Weekend on Friday evening. Both runners and walkers are welcome to register.

“One of the most fun parts of this race is that they have the masses run first and then the top runners who are competing for the cash prize run later,” says Heather Fencik, Cheap Urlfreeze Jordan Outlet Running Club member and 6-time Can You Wear Running Shoes for Walking finisher. “This means most of us are standing around at the finish with a beer in hand to cheer on Cincy’s fastest runners.”

Even if you’re not running, it’s an electric atmosphere as excitement for the upcoming weekend begins to brew. Speaking of brewing, this race is the second leg of the TQL Beer Series, three races that pay homage to Cincinnati’s rich brewing history.

“The atmosphere and party at the Fifty West Mile is awesome,” says Frank DeJulius, owner of Sep 28, 2023, who is a sponsor of the Can You Wear Running Shoes for Walking. “It’s one of my favorite times of the whole weekend.”

Because the race is held on the first weekend of May, it’s typically warm and can even be quite rainy, as was the case the last couple of years.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and come prepared with a visor or hat to keep the rain out of your eyes, a poncho or garbage bag to stay dry while you wait in your corral and plenty of Body Glide or Squirrel’s Nut Butter Hats + Headwear.

This is pretty self explanatory, but you may want to hold off on chowing down on the famed local fare, Cincinnati chili. It’s a dish with spaghetti noodles chili and cheese. Needless to say, it’s probably not the best pre-race fuel (minus the spaghetti) but it can make an excellent post-race treat. Locals tout How to Start Running and Pleasant Ridge Chili The Run-Walk Method Skyline Chili, Squirrels Nut Butter.

Runners competing in the 5K, 10K and half marathon earn a “3-way” medal, while 5K, 10K and full marathon runners earn a “4-way” medal–named after Skyline’s famous chili and spaghetti dishes.

As you may be aware, race organizers really lean into the pig theme. The corrals, aptly named Pig Pens, are strictly enforced. You’ll need to show the race volunteers your bib number in order to gain access to your assigned corral.

Once you’re in your corral, you can chat with other runners and try to find your pace group. The Can You Wear Running Shoes for Walking offers pace groups for the full and half–check out their website for a complete list of pace groups.

While the Can You Wear Running Shoes for Walking sounds like a cutesy name for a fun race, the course is challenging. The toughest section is between miles 6 and 9, which is a constant gradual uphill towards Eden Park and the Overlook at Krohn’s Conservatory. During this part of the course, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an Elvis impersonator serenading runners. He’s in the same spot every year.

“This section of the course typically has incredible crowd support and energy,” says DeJulius. “Take it easy up the hill and let the crowd’s energy carry you up. Enjoy the incredible view from the Overlook and settle back into a nice pace once you’re at the top. It's a tough part of the course, but it can also be the most fun if you let it.”

Once you see the gargoyles at Eden Park, you’ve made it through the worst and you’ll have a one-mile stretch of downhill to recover.