Outcry After 6-Year-Old Runs Full ‘Flying Pig’ Marathon

How young is too young to run a full, 26-mile marathon? That’s a question many are asking in the wake of news that 6-year-old Rainier Crawford took part in Cincinnati’s annual “Flying Pig” marathon with his parents and siblings. The little boy finished the race in 8 hours, 36 minutes. Rainier’s father, Ben Crawford, says the boy was not forced to run, but was allowed to because he “begged” to join the rest of his family.

[flovonnejohnson]

I mean, when I was 16, my 7 year old cousin who had cancer wanted to do a marathon. And a couple of the family ran with him. He ended up being the one to keep me running because I absolutely abhore running. He didn't finish and we decided to leave and when he was done his brother carried him on his back on the way to the car. It was great to see him do something he wanted so badly but couldn't before.

[sngray]

He clearly wasn’t running the whole time to complete the marathon in eight hours and thirty six minutes. If it is something the family enjoys doing together, and they can opt out at any point, I don’t see a problem with it. It’s a lot better than spending the day on the couch. And he clearly prepped properly by having completed a half marathon previously. Kudos to this six year old for completing the marathon! 😱😍🙌

[bloodgirl]

A lot of young kids go through HOURS of hard physical training. As long as the parents and his doctor monitor his health and development theres no issue.

[mrs_shrub]

He doesn’t look or sound distressed. This is a great way to have fun, celebrate achievements together, and learn self-discipline.

[alexagueros]

Most kids cant handle a marathon, but this kid has been training. Plus he loves running. So good job guys getting ur kids out there and having fun. Great job little man. Much love little guy. 💜💜

[blueturtle]

He wanted to do it, and he walked when he needed. He wasn't pushed/forced. Especially considering this wasn't his *first* marathon, and had some idea of what he was getting into.

[RobGamingNation]

It's really tough running a marathon, especially for this child and family, however they stuck with it and got through the race. Great Job!

[omg-kboc]

Kids have so much energy. Looks like he was having fun for the most part.

[sandithomas]

He completed a challenging activity with his family. Strength, endurance, confidence, and family unity. This is so important for him. I'm sad that this won't be "allowed" any more. He appears to be in a loving supportive environment. It's about so much more than running.

[Chessboardguy]

I ran a lot of marathons and did a lot of triathlons as a young kid. I started around 8 years old with a biathlon. The only thing it did to me was cause me to have an enlarged heart. I’m 40 now and haven’t had very much heart trouble from the enlarged heart but my doctor said it can be an issue sometimes in child athletes.

[burundibwizacetribea]

If he was seating 8 hrs in front of TV, no one will be criticizing the parents.

[everythingtravel]

This family is a family of marathon and long distance runners. The entire family including Rainer also hiked the eniter Appalachian Trail a few years ago and documented it on Facebook. I think it's amazing!

[NatsuoxOkami]

As long as the child isn't being forced and is doing it willingly there is nothing wrong with this. I used to run marathons with my dad in Texas when I was 10 years old. It was fun for me and some of our best memories. I

[Ginos_Bass_Fishing_Adventures]

Teaching the kid to overcome hardship at a young age is honestly one of the greatest things a parents can teach their child. Plus it creates family bonds. Props to this family and the kid!

[onetruth]

And yet, he did it and is healthier than ever. It may not be for everyone, but this kid did it multiple times. Great job!! Be safe and have fun!🥰👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[austinveneman]

looks like he was having fun, let the kid decide for himself. He is happy that he got a medal so guess what he can say to half the people who said he shouldn’t have done it, he can tell them he did it. I am proud this kid tried it.

[loganmalough]

Those people who criticize the parents need to calm down! They weren’t harming the kid. It’s great for a kid to be active, but you still shouldn’t push your child to the limits.

[strawberriesncandii]

If he didn’t want to do it he would’ve thrown a tantrum and stopped. He actually looked like he wanted to be there. Plus we‘re coming from a perspective of aging. He’s still a kid and they’ve got lots of energy and zero back pain and knee problems like we do. 😂

[lichieva]

I've done both half and full marathons and while I can't imagine doing them at 6 years old, I commend this family for making running a part of their lives.

[ebdhudnav]

I can't see how his parents did anything wrong when he was running, he did it on his own, he could have given up any time he wanted. I see him tougher than me.