Chip Roig, AVP of Sales at City Club Apartments, is gearing up to participate in the upcoming Flying Pig Marathon this Sunday, May 5, 2024. We had the opportunity to chat with Chip about his journey leading up to the marathon and his experiences preparing for the race. We're thrilled to support Chip and all the other dedicated runners this weekend. If you want to learn more about the event, you can find all the details about the weekend festivities here. And don't forget to cheer on Chip as he takes on this exciting challenge!
CCA: What made you decide to run a marathon?
Chip: I've always been Captain Supporter/Cheerleader on the sidelines of the Flying Pig Marathon. It's a HUGE event in Cincinnati that the entire city gets behind! It's always been so inspiring to see people from all over the city come together to cheer on their fellow Cincinnatians and people from all over the country! Last year my wife, Erica, ran, and as soon as the race started her, and all her fellow Piggies were greeted with Biblical amounts of rain! Think Noah's Ark type of stuff! After seeing her all over the course smiling ear to ear and then the amount of jubilation she had at the Finish Swine I made the decision it was time to put my money where my mouth was and sign up!
CCA: Have you ever run a marathon before?
Chip: This will be my first ever. There is a saying in the marathon world called "Puppy Miles" meaning every long training run is usually the longest run any of the rookies have ever completed. After this weekend Miles 20.1-26.2 will no longer be Puppy Miles for me!
CCA: What did you do to train for this?
Chip: I joined a local running group sponsored by Fleet Feet Cincinnati. They have 4 locations in Cincinnati/NKY but I run with the group that meets at 50 West Brewery. I've loved getting to know the Cincinnati Running Community and making new friends! We started training in January, even in nearly 0-degree weather, snow, and ice! The elements were brutal, but they were worth it for all this beautiful spring weather we've been enjoying lately!
CCA: What businesses will the route go past?
Chip: The route runs past both stadiums (Great American Ball Park home of the Reds and Paycor Stadium home of the Bengals) into Northern Kentucky (yes, the race runs in 2 states!). From there we run down 7th Street through downtown and up Gilbert Avenue past Channel 9 WCPO into historic Eden Park! We cut through East Walnut Hills past bars like Anjou and Argos Pet Supply! When we reach Hyde Park Square we run past lots of Cincinnati favorites like Park City (great burgers!), Corporate (for the sneakerheads), Mesa Loca (great margs!), Al Posto (Italian Restaurant famous for making alfredo right in a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano), Graeter's Ice Cream, Arnold's and Echo Diner (IYKYK), Dutch's (known for having the greatest selection of beers in Cincinnati), St. Francis Apizza (order it on Mondays and Tuesdays for their "Tavern Style"), Forno Osteria (Bolo Tuesdays!), and then out to Historic Mariemont!
CCA: Who will be cheering you on this Sunday?
Chip: My beautiful, too-good-for-me wife Erica, my Mom and Dad (Stacey and Ray Roig), my Father In Law (Greg), My Sister and Brother in Law Elisha and Mike Herrmann and their daughters Ella, Liz, and Evienne, plus lots of friends!
CCA: Any words of inspiration you would like to share with any of the other runners?
Chip: It's just a long run! Stay hydrated, eat smart, and get plenty of rest the week of! The hard part is behind you (cold and early runs on Saturday Mornings)! Now it's time to go out there and have fun! Enjoy the spotlight!