Three down, three to go.
Jason Salere of Tippe City won the 2023 Flying Pig Marathon in 2 hours, 27 minutes, 10 seconds.
Just two weeks after winning City of Glass Marathon in Toledo In 2:20.27, the 32-year-old broke the bar again, winning his third marathon in his quest to win six major Ohio marathon championships (Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and the Air Force Marathon). won in Air Force Marathon In September 2022 at 2:27.22.
“I was given an ability by God and I want to increase my potential,” said Salyer, “and to be an exceptional runner, an exceptional athlete, you have to challenge yourself.”
The 25th iteration of the race started after a short spell of rain on Sunday morning. After a few miles of clear skies, the torrential rain began and the race organizers ordered all runners to be given shelter.
“Everyone knew the weather was going to be really bad today, so you just had to accept it,” Slayer said.
Flying Pig Women’s Marathon:Caitlin Kane gets a rainy third victory for the Flying Pig
Will Cadwell, who finished second in 2022, opened up a gap on three other riders as they went through Brownville and Hyde Park.
After running alone for an extended period of time, Salyer ran into Cadwell and passed him as the two started at Columbia Parkway. As they continued down Kellogg Street, Salyer opened a gap on Cadwell, preventing him from making it into the final five miles. Cadwell finished second in 2:27:28, and Jack Randall, winner in 2017 and 2019, finished third in 2:28:13.
“I wasn’t quite sure I was going to pick it up, so I kept repeating positive phrases to myself like, ‘Let’s go. I’ve got this. Don’t get enough,'” Slayer said.
After crossing the finish line, Salyer received his medal and laurel wreath from race director Iris Simpson-Bush before he was partnered with his father, Jim.
“It means a lot for them to be here, to be here in this weather and to be here to cheer me on when it counts,” Slayer said.
Salyer’s time is eight seconds faster than Zac Holtkamps’ winning time of 2:27:18 in 2022. According to Flying Pig records, this is the eighth fastest in men’s marathon history.
Seth Elking wins the Flying Pig Half Marathon
University of Cincinnati sophomore Seth Elking crossed the finish line at the Paycor Half Marathon with a time of 1:10.56, just ahead of Eric Groenbacher and Chris Borst. The three finished less than a minute apart.
“I feel good. Just exciting. Lots of adrenaline at the moment so I feel great,” said Elking.
Despite the downpour causing heavy, soaking boots, Elking saw the weather as a refreshing source of energy. The rain, combined with the energy from the crowd, and his training during the track and field season gave Elking the push he needed to beat Gruenbacher and Porst.
“She pushed through the hills really hard, and I think that’s where I lost her,” said Elking.
Elking’s time is the fastest half marathoner since Samuel Montclair broke the bar in 1:09:52 in 2021.
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