The United States hosts around 1,000 marathons every year, the largest of which see tens of thousands of endurance runners crossing the finish line and conquering the grueling 26.2-mile distance.
To find the top races, USA TODAY 10Best editors and a panel of experts made their nominations, then readers voted for their favorites. Here are the 10 best marathons across the nation for 2024.
No. 1: Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio
The Flying Pig Marathon is loved by runners, and for good reason. It’s fun, with pig motifs used everywhere, from the “pig pen” corrals where different speed groups are segregated, to crossing the “finish swine” and attending the post-race party with pizza and beer. The course is also super attractive, albeit hilly, running through the most diverse and scenic neighborhoods of Cincinnati and surrounding townships, and alongside the Ohio River. Finishers get medals and mylar blankets to go with all the post-pig party refreshments.
Welcome Home to Worry-Free Living!
Loveland’s Independent Living Leader for Seniors
Picture coming home to a worry-free way of life. Imagine a luxurious, safe, and comfortable community with a great location for fun local outings, as well as engaging events hosted by our expert team. With three chef-prepared meals offered daily, and weekly housekeeping and maintenance included, you’ll have more time for family, friends, and the other important things in life. This vision comes to life at Deerfield Springs Retirement Community, an independent retirement community that’s proudly served the Loveland area for four years.
Designed for comfort, Deerfield Springs offers apartments for rent in studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom options. Each living space features window coverings, a climate-controlled thermostat, and ample closet space. Apartment kitchens are also equipped with full-sized appliances. Besides that, our residents are free to design their units around their unique tastes. Pets are also warmly welcome for no additional fee.
The best part about all-inclusive living is that there’s no buy-in fee or long-term leases to worry about! Everything’s included in the monthly rent, such as an on-site professional staff, live-in managers, a 24/7 emergency call system, appointment transportation, concierge services, valet parking, and many more amenities. When you retire with Deerfield Springs, you’re getting more out of retirement. You’re getting a community of friends and a team that cares. Stop by for a tour and discover the resort lifestyle difference!
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Winter sports have kicked their seasons off with a bang! One Tiger team has really made a mark for themselves in the ECC, improving their record to 7-1 with a 7 game winning streak! The Women’s Loveland High school Basketball team is currently at the top of the ECC with several individual Tigers at the top of the conference for their own personal stats, one Tiger, in particular, being senior Jillian Hayes.
Jillian Hayes and her family on the night she accepted her commemorative 1,000th point ball. The ball was presented on Friday, December 20 during the Men’s basketball against Milford.
Hayes, a 6’2 forward, reached her 1,000 point milestone at home against Walnut Hills on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Prior to the big game, Hayes needed 27 points to reach her 1,000 points and impressively enough Hayes had 27 points and 10 rebounds. Loveland ended up grabbing the win 78-67! This was the Tigers’ first win over former ECC champs Walnut Hills since the start of the 2016 basketball season. Currently, Hayes is in 4th place in the ECC for points averaging 16.4 per game, 2nd in defensive rebounds averaging 9.1 per game, 2nd in blocks averaging 2.0 per game, and 5th in steals averaging 2.8 per game.
The scoresheet when Jillian Hayes reached the milestone of 1,000 points of her Tiger basketball career (Click image to open a new window and see a larger view)
Since Hayes’ big 1,000 point moment she has had some other very high scoring games. She scored 17 points at Turpin, 23 points at Milford, 15 points at home against Withrow, and 13 points at West Clermont giving her a total now of 1,068 points. Earlier this year Hayes committed to Coach Heard and the Cincinnati Bearcats to continue her already stellar basketball career.
Jilian Partin was the last Tiger to reach the coveted 1,000 points on December 2, 2004. Partin played for the Loveland Tigers from 2001-2005 under Head Coach Wray Jean Conner. Partin totaled 1,356 points for her beyond impressive high school career. At the time Assistant Varsity Coach, Ken Tracey decided to do some research into the world of the “1,000 point club” and said that fewer than one percent of Ohio high school basketball players, either men or women ever reach 1,000 points in their career!
Currently, Partin is at the top of the board as the All-Time Leading Scorer in Loveland Women’s Basketball history with 1,356 points. Partin also holds the Loveland Highschool Women’s Basketball record for Most Free Throws made with 329.
Jillian Hayes is officially 288 points from the All-Time Leading Scorer record! Hayes will get the opportunity to get closer to this memorable accolade on Monday, December 30th at 7:30 PM at St. Ursula.
In this video is Hayes scoring 993 through 1,000 points, receiving the game ball, and a post-game interview with her and Coach Darnell Parker.
This slide show is photos of Jillian Hayes when she scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Tiger’s win over Walnut Hills on Saturday, December 7, 2019.
![[Video/Photos] Tiger basketball star Jillian Hayes reaches 1,000 points](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/jillian-hayes-1000-points.jpg)
by Cassie Mattia
Jillian Hayes is officially 288 points from the All-Time Leading Scorer record! Hayes will get the opportunity to get closer to this memorable accolade on Monday, December 30th at 7:30 PM at St. Ursula.
