Kids run for fun, exercise at Flying Piglet

Thirty FamiliesFORWARD’s After-School Program students didn’t let a few sprinkles stop them as they ran, hopped and skipped to the finish line of the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon’s Flying Piglet Kids’ Fun Run on May 5, 2018, at Smale Riverfront Park.

The Flying Pig Marathon and its associated events encourage younger participants to bone up on exercise, nutrition, entertainment and wellness knowledge.

Once again this year—the Flying Pig completed its 20th running—the weekend was open to all ages. Children could crawl, walk or run varying distances, depending on their ages—ranging from the 1-and-under Diaper Dash (a 15-foot crawl) to the 8- and 9-year-olds’ 250-yard run. Parents are permitted to walk or run with children 5 and younger.

All of Saturday’s children’s races, part of events leading to Cincinnati’s signature Flying Pig Marathon the next day, are fun runs. Children receive the same prizes, which include a Flying Piglet T-shirt and a finisher’s medal.

Kids older than 9 are encouraged to participate in the EY Kids’ Marathon 26th Mile or the Tri-State Running Company 5K.

FamiliesFORWARD staff members accompany the children on Flying Piglet day.

FamiliesFORWARD students participating in this year’s Flying Piglet:

Bond Hill Academy of Math and Science Discovery: Teasia Deloach, TaJhayla Deloach, Na'mir Johnson, Kenton Martin, JaQuale Miller, Ayanna Nettles, Quenaya Ollis, Tre'Vonte Phillips, Char'Meyka Washington and Armonie Washington.

Carson School: Tiab Boone, Jericka Emery, Jaleah Foster, Jerilee Foster, Maciah Golightly, Mariah Golightly, Jaiden Jones, Jordin Jones, Kalifala Kourouma, Oraye Napo, Sybil Smith, Alanna Williams and Malik Williams.

Hays-Porter School: Ka'niya Canady, Javon Davis, Kiaysha Jeter, Boka Loundou, Jirla Loundou, Aniya Todd and Jaheim Travis.

—Bill Ferguson Jr.