More than 10,000 runners and walkers flooded the streets of downtown Cincinnati on Saturday as part of the Flying Pig Marathon.
Both a 5K and a 10K were sold out Saturday and had more than 5,000 runners and walkers each. A half and full marathon are set for Sunday morning and also were sold out.
In all, a record 33,000-plus people are expected to participate in all the weekend events combined.
Last year’s participation was at just under 31,000.
Event organizers attribute the record participation to an outpouring of support following the Boston marathon bombings.
The race’s executive director, Iris Simpson Bush, says the turnout is “a great tribute to our community and its amazing support.”
The Flying Pig, named for the city’s pork history, is in its 15th year.
COLUMBUS
Jury awards $2.8M to man paralyzed at hospital
A jury has awarded $2.8 million to a Columbus man who was paralyzed after hospital employees put him in a restraint hold.
Michael Dillon sued OhioHealth, the parent company of Doctors Hospital in Columbus, in June 2010, a year after the incident.
The lawsuit says that an employee severely injured Dillon’s cervical spine by applying excessive force to his neck and body.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that an eight-member jury unanimously found in Dillon’s favor on Thursday after a month-long trial.
They awarded him a total of about $2.8 million for medical costs and care, and damages.
OhioHealth spokesman Mark Hopkins says the company likely will appeal the decision and that the staff maintains that Dillon’s allegations are inaccurate.
COLUMBUS
Ohio offers grants for trails
Ohio’s natural resources department is offering grants to help develop trails for all-terrain vehicles, off-road motorcycles and snowmobiles.
The state says about $400,000 is available for trail projects.
The natural resources department says the money is open to cities, counties, townships and nonprofis.
Those interested need to apply through the state’s Recreational Trails Program by the end of May.
COLUMBUS
Ohio: Less mowing would save millions
Many folks across Ohio who would rather stay on the couch Saturday afternoons watching sports or cooking shows on TV would probably like this idea for saving money: cut grass less often.
Trimming its annual mowing schedule from four to three times could save the Ohio Department of Transportation millions. That’s according to a study by Auditor Dave Yost.
He estimates eliminating a mowing would save $7.4 million a year. Transportation workers are mowing some 70,000 linear miles each year, usually making the first cut before Memorial Day or when the grass is a foot high.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that Yost found 10 other states get by with three. The study says herbicide could be used to reduce mowing need.
He says simple solutions can have great impact.
ELYRIA
Superhero fans flying into event
Comic book and superhero fans are descending on northeast Ohio this weekend.
Organizers of Super Hero Weekend in the city of Elyria are hoping to turn the event in annual attraction.
It’s the second year for the event.
This year’s three-day festival featured a discussion with a writer for Marvel Comics. A free comic book giveaway is slated for Saturday.
Organizers tell The Chronicle-Telegram newspaper in Elyria that they’re trying to reach new customers and promote independent comic book retailers.
Other activities include free caricatures and trivia contests.
TOLEDO
Polar bear cubs now on display
Twin polar bear cubs have made their debut at The Toledo Zoo and are now in display for the first time.
The cubs were born in November, and zoo officials say they’re the only cubs in the country being raised by their mother.
They were named Suka and Sakari earlier this week after a naming contest drew hundreds of votes.
Zoo officials say the cubs should be on display with their mother daily, but could be off exhibit periodically depending on weather conditions and their unique needs.
The zoo says the cubs have an important future as ambassadors for their species, which is endangered and facing dire threats.
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