Walkers in the way

Unfortunately my friends and i got to the start a little late and began with the 5 hour marathoners.  There were a lot of walkers!!  The start was so crowded we even noticed spectators in the street sending off their runners.  We were surprised by the lack of corals.  We waited 10 minutes to get to the startline.  Do you think it would have helped to do a wave start?  I think the walkers should have to start 15 minutes after the runners.  It seemed to clog up the field.  I am all for walkers participating, just stay off to the side and not in the middle!  Did anyone else experience this?

Yes, I had the exact same experience. It was very frustrating! I expected a long wait to get the the start line, but I thought once I got there it would be fine. However, that was not the case. I was not able to run anywhere near my goal pace until after mile 3 because of the crazy log jam.

I think it would have helped if the pace signs by the starting corals were a little higher. I didn't even notice them until I was right by them. Perhaps more easily-visible pace signs for the slower paces would have helped also (I think 3:30 marathon pace was the slowest I saw).

What was really frustrating was the number of "casual walkers" walking 4 and 5 abreast!  I am a very slow runner, so I start way in the back so I don't get in anyone else's way.  But somehow, folks who are walking slowly started in front of me.  I don't get that.  And because they walk together, you can't get around them!  I had to run up on the sidewalk to get around them.  The 5:00 pacer was the slowest one.  I know this cause I was looking for the 5:30 one, which didn't exist.  I actually thought there were more runners this year, but according to the results there were actually fewer full marathon finishers.  So I suppose most of the pokers were half marathoners. 

The Flying Pig would have been more enjoyable if:

a. The walkers started about 15 minutes after the runners.  Of course runners in corrals according to approx. finishing time less than 3hrs, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, etc.  Since the first 3 miles involve 3 bridges

b.  People would learn to learn not to throw items off their bodies:  i.e. garbage bags, sweatshirts, since it was raining.

c. Learning how to spit.  This just offensive, if you have to do this jog over to the side of the road not spit to the side.

d.  The starting area should have been with better lighting prior to the event, maybe from 5:30am to 6:30am.

As for the walkers I did have several walkers just stop walking in the middle of the street and take pictures, or hold hands with their group.  I like the walkers, but I do agree the walkers should be pushed back for their protection and the runners/joggers.

The expo was like most expos and the pig statues were very nice for a photo.

Overall grade of the Pig Marathon:  C+

I ran the 10k on Saturday and had problems with avoiding walkers. Even for the 10k, they need to have someone holding a sign showing your expected pace. It doesn't have to be formal just organized. Also, the finish line/snack area did not work very well this year. My daughter ran the 1 mile and I couldn't get to the finish line to cheer her on. Here is an idea for future events. Have the bags already made up containing 1 of everything. Hole punch, mark, or tear off the tab of the bib after the participant receives their bag. They can't come back if they have a hole punch. Just an idea.