It's the first weekend in May so it must be Flying Pig Marathon weekend. Cincinnati or Porkopolis as the city was called back in the late 1800s gives this race a big bear bug each year, now for the 10th year: 22,000+ participants (all 50 states, 15 countries), 3,000 volunteers, 150,000 spectators! This race also rocks with 60 live entertainment acts along the course.

Runner's World, the bible of the running community, calls it one of the most fun runs in the world and Fast Company compares the branding with Apple and Southwest Airlines. Iris Bush, the director, makes the rounds on the race management circuit talking about the race's success.

How has this race come so far, so fast in just 10 years? It's all about the Pig. The Pig rules in this race with its creative logo; volunteers are called "grunts," spectators are called "street squealers," the finish line is dubbed the "Swine Line."

This race is a seriously fun race with a terrific race staff, medical team and staff that cater to runners at every turn. The Pig's registration is up 30 percent this year, due to its strong branding and runner loyalty program.