Running News Daily

Americans Bowman, Bareikis take first place at Pittsburgh Marathon

Two Americans topped both the Men's and Women's Division at this year's Pittsburgh Marathon. Andrew Bowman and Jane Bareikis were the first to cross the finish line in their divisions.

Bowman, who is married to 2018 marathon champion Sydney Bowman, ended the race at 2:15:52, more than a minute faster than his next two competitors.

"Anything can happen in a marathon, so surreal. But now I'm just incredibly grateful that it all came together," Bowman told Pittsburgh's Action News 4.

At 2:37:37, Bareikis became the first woman to cross the finish line. Bareikis set her own personal record earlier this year with a time of 2:29:00.

Wesley Kiptoo crossed the line for the half marathon, becoming a three time winner of the half. Kiptoo's time is marked at 1:01:32. The time is just shy of beating the course record of 1:01:25.

USA's Stephanie Bruce was the first woman to finish the half at 1:11:11.

Elite athletes, including last year's winner Tyler McCandless, took off at 7 a.m. McCandless, 37, crossed the finish line at last year at 2:16:08. This year, McCandless finished in third at 2:17:45.

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Participants from 50 states and 24 countries crossed the finish line at this year's event as over 300,000 spectators watched their run from all over the course.

This year's marathon is bigger and better than ever, bringing in new events and more people.

"There are movers from all over the world coming to move with us this weekend, whether they're walking, jogging or running this weekend," P3R CEO Troy Schooley said.

For over 43% of runners, this was their first time running a 26.2-mile marathon.

The Pittsburgh community came together to cheer on its hometown runners and support new visitors coming to the city.

"It's unbelievable," Schooley said. "And not just the movers with us, it's the spectators. Some will never take part in the event, but they know the first weekend in May, they're going to get out on the street, support the runners and help them get to the finish line."

(05/06/2024) Views: 509 ⚡AMP
by Raquel Ciampi

Tyler McCandless: The Champion Returns to Conquer DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Once More

The streets of Pittsburgh are set to witness a battle of endurance and speed as defending champion Tyler McCandless gears up to claim victory at the 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. McCandless, who broke the finisher’s tape in 2:16:08 last year, aims to become the marathon’s first repeat American champion since 1989.

“Returning to the Pittsburgh marathon as the defending champion is an absolute honor and I’m grateful for the incredible Pittsburgh running community and P3R staff,” McCandless said. “I have had fantastic training, and I’m feeling as fit as I’ve ever been. I’m eager to run the streets of the Steel City and experience the exhilarating challenge to be champion once again.”

However, the road to triumph is not without its challengers. Alvaro Abreu, the Dominican dynamo who clinched the 2022 title with a finish of 2:16:07, is back. Familiar with the course’s rigors, Abreu is fired up to showcase his running talent and reclaim the crown.

The 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon will offer a prize purse of $32,000 with a $7,000 top prize. For more information about the 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, visit thePittsburghMarathon.com.

About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of EventsThe Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts nearly 40,000 runners. Read more at: ThePittsburghMarathon.com

FACEBOOK: DSGPM TWITTER: @PghMarathon INSTAGRAM: pghmarathon

About P3RP3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming – including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more – that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.

(04/27/2024) Views: 539 ⚡AMP

Jennifer Bigham to Headline Women’s Field at 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

Pittsburgher Jennifer Bigham will headline the women’s field at the 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 5. Bigham, a formidable force in the local running community, has an impressive record that includes victories at the USA Masters Half Marathon Championships and the USA Masters One Mile Championships in 2022. With five wins at the City of Pittsburgh Great Race, she already has cemented her status as a local legend but is now ready to tackle 26.2 miles for the first time in PIttsburgh.

“I’ve been looking forward to running the Pittsburgh Marathon for many years, and my time has finally come,” Bigham said. “I’ve been a part of many events on marathon weekend, from the toddler trot and kids marathon, to the 5K, and half-marathon. Lining up to experience the full 26.2 in my city that I love will be very special. I know the cheers from my community on race day will power me through the tough moments. This finish line will be a special one for me!”

After taking an eight-year hiatus from competitive running post-college, she returned to the sport following the birth of her first child. Now a mother of four, Bigham’s comeback story is an inspiration to athletes and parents alike. Her remarkable comeback was highlighted by qualifying for and competing in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials.

This year she will face tough competition from Jane Bareikis, who set a marathon personal best of 2:29:00 at the Berlin Marathon last fall, and local runner Laura Harnish, who also ran in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials and holds a marathon personal best of 2:42:09.

The 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon will offer a prize purse of $32,000 with a $7,000 top prize. For more information about the 2024 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, visit thePittsburghMarathon.com.

About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of EventsThe Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts nearly 40,000 runners. Read more at: ThePittsburghMarathon.com

About P3RP3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming – including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more – that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.

(04/26/2024) Views: 446 ⚡AMP

The story behind the success of the Dicks Sporting Good Pittsburg Marathon

Pittsburgh hosted its first Dick’s Sporting Good Marathon on May 5th, 1985. The streets were closed to traffic as music filled the air. People lined the streets to cheer on the racers that went by. In addition to the marathon, there was a half marathon, a team relay, a kids’ race and 5K. Elite and seeded runners, wheelchair racers, and walkers took to the street each May.

Certified Marathon

The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon course is certified by USA Track and Field. The purpose of such a certification program is to produce racecourses of accurately measured distances. The USATF explains, “for any road running performance to be accepted as a record or be nationally ranked, it must be run on a USATF-certified course”.The Pittsburgh Marathon is also a qualifying course for the Boston Marathon. In 1998 The Pittsburgh Marathon hosted the U.S. Olympic Women’s Trials. It hosted the Men’s Trials in 2000. It has also served as the U.S. Men’s National Championship course three times. In 1986 it was the site of the National Wheelchair Championship.

The race attracts athletes from all over the globe. John Kagwe, from Kenya, holds the men’s course record. He set the record in 1995 with a staggering 2 hours, 10 minutes and 24 second time. American, Margaret Groos set the course record for women in 1988. She ran the course at the incredible time of 2 hours, 29 minutes and 50 seconds. In 1994 and then again in 2000, Pittsburgh resident Tammy Slusser won the women’s title.

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The Pittsburgh Marathon ran consecutively until 2003. During those years, UPMC was the largest sponsor. Unfortunately, when the city experienced financial distress UPMC pulled out. Mayor Tom Murphy concluded that the city couldn’t handle the financial burden of hosting the marathon that year, so he canceled it.

Thankfully, after a five-year hiatus, Dick’s Sporting Goods revived the marathon in 2009. It came roaring back, attracting 9,000 runners. Participation has increased with each succeeding year. This caused a need for some modifications to the course to handle the increasing number of athletes.

The next marathon is set for May 5, 2024.  It is a race you should put on your calendar.   And if you are not ready to run 26.2 miles there are other events too.  

(08/10/2023) Views: 728 ⚡AMP

Pittsburgh woman wins top prize at Pittsburgh Marathon

The 15th annual Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was a day filled with remarkable stories of personal triumph and pure determination as thousands of runners crossed the finished line Sunday morning.

Margo Malone, a Pittsburgh native, took home first place in the women's division of the marathon with a final time of 02:41:56. Malone grew up in the North Hills. Her running career began at St. Teresa's with her mom as her first coach. She held back tears as she hugged her sister after crossing the finish line.

"My mom passed two years ago, so being out here running for her means the world," Malone said. "And I think she'd be happy today and just so proud of the Pittsburgh community and just so happy for all of the support."

It was also a family affair for the men's first place finisher, Tyler McCandless. McCandless is a Pennsylvania native, growing up on the other side of the Keystone State. The Penn State grad was greeted at the finish line by his wife and their two young sons, Jack, 1, and Levi, 3.

"Levi did the kids marathon [yesterday] and it was super fun to do that last mile with him," said the proud father before adding, "From start to finish, from the 5K to the kids race to the marathon, there is just such a great atmosphere to this event."

The course was lined with spectators throughout the day with many making their way out to the streets around 5 Sunday morning. Many of the fans had signs and cheered as they hoped to bring some energy and pep to the athletes competing.

"Pittsburgh is electric, it's got energy," said Bruce Newman, a handcyclist competing on behalf of the Paralyzed Veterans Racing Group.

"A lot of us, we are type A personalities," Newman said. "We had a change of life so this helps us transition to that and gives us something to do. I was an avid runner before the military, and this replaces that."

Newman finished third in the handcycling division of the marathon. He says the Pittsburgh Marathon is a race he always looks forward to.

"The course, it has hills and lots of turns. This is one of the best courses on the circuit," Newman said.

Wesley Kiptoo, the men's first-place finisher in the half marathon, is already planning his return for next year. During Sunday's race, Kiptoo broke the course record, that he set last year, for fastest time in the half marathon. He finished the race this year with a final time of 01:01:21.

"I'm coming back next year and I'm gonna do the same thing," said Kiptoo with a smile. "Pittsburgh is like home for me now."

 

(05/08/2023) Views: 660 ⚡AMP

Kenyan runners Wesley Kiptoo and Caroline Rotich Set Course Records at 2022 Pittsburgh Half Marathon

Rainy conditions Sunday morning in the City of Champions did not slow down Kenyan runners Wesley Kiptoo and Caroline Rotich from breaking course records and taking home the first prize of $10,000 at the 2022 UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon.  

In the men’s race, Kiptoo and James Ngandu took an early lead in the first mile. They stayed neck and neck until the final stretch when Kiptoo broke the finisher’s tape clocking 1 hour, one minute and twenty-five seconds. Ngandu took home second, finishing only two seconds later. U.S. Olympic marathoner Jared Ward finished third in 1:03:37.

“Today was my professional road racing debut,” Kiptoo said. “I will remember this race and the City of Pittsburgh forever. I’d like to thank the organizers and race sponsors for inviting me and for making it all possible.”

In the women’s race, Rotich smashed the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon course record by 34 seconds finishing in 1:09:30. U.S. Olympic marathoner Aliphine Tuliamuk, who previously held the course record, took home second in 1:09:54, and Sarah Sellers finished third in 1:11:51.  

“It feels great to win my first race ever in Pittsburgh,” Rotich said. “It was so great seeing all the people on the course and cheering despite the rain. I can’t wait to be back!”

(05/02/2022) Views: 1,271 ⚡AMP

Aliphine Tuliamuk, Jared Ward, Caroline Rotich and Abdi Abdirahman are ready to race the streets of Pittsburgh

Aliphine Tuliamuk, Jared Ward and Abdi Abdirahman are ready to race the streets of Pittsburgh in the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, May 1. Each of the members of this talented trio have a special connection to the City of the Champions and will embrace the city’s renowned sports fans and spectators to help them shine on race day.

Men’s Division

Ward and Abdirahman lead a talented field of top international and American runners who will be competing for the $10,000 top prize. Abdirahman, who is a 5-time Olympian, has never been to Pittsburgh but is a big fan of the city.

“It has been a dream of mine to race in Pittsburgh,” Abdirahman said. “It will be my first time in the city, and I am a big Steelers fan. I am looking forward to running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. Training has been going great leading to this race, and I am excited to test my fitness.”

Ward will finally make his Pittsburgh racing debut after planning to run in 2020 and 2021 before the in-person events were canceled both years. He is excited to return to the city, which he hasn’t visited since he spent two years on Mormon mission after high school.

“I’m beyond excited to return to Pittsburgh,” Ward said. “I feel like I grew up here, while serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I look forward to seeing friends and touring around ‘dahntahn’ – this time on the streets as a runner.”

Joining Abdirahman and Ward in the men’s race is James Ngandu of Kenya, who earlier this year won the Houston Marathon, and American Lawi Lalang, an eight-time NCAA champion who holds a half-marathon personal best of 1:02:49. Wesley Kiptoo, who was the 2021 NCAA Indoor National Champion at 5,000 meters, will also make his half-marathon debut at the event. Local runners Colin Martin, who holds a personal record of 1:05:19, and Nick Wolk, who won the 2021 Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race 5K and 10K, will also race.

Women’s Division

Aliphine Tuliamuk is excited to return to Pittsburgh to run her first race since the Tokyo Olympics. In 2015, she ran her first marathon at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, finishing in second in 2:34:44. She returned in 2018 to win the USA Half Marathon Championships.

“Pittsburgh has become a special city for me,” Tuliamuk said. “It’s where I learned that the marathon was painful but worth the struggle. Winning the 2018 USATF Half Marathon Championship gave me much needed confidence as I built toward the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials.  This year I am hoping for the same competitive atmosphere that Pittsburgh always brings. It will be my first race in a while, and I wanted to come to a place where I feel comfortable.”

Her speed will be tested against Caroline Rotich, who won the 2015 Boston Marathon and has a half-marathon personal best of 1:08:53.

“This will be my first time coming to Pittsburgh,” Rotich said. “It’s always exciting to travel to new places and Pittsburgh has been on my bucket list.  I’m motivated to capitalize on my training this spring, rather than refocus on another marathon. I am feeling fit and ready to run fast in Pittsburgh.”

The field also includes Jordan Hasay, who is the fourth fastest U.S. women’s marathoner of all-time and Canadian cross-country skier and Olympian Anne Marie Comeau. Local Pittsburgh runner Margo Malone, who ran in the 2020 U.S. Marathon Olympic Team Trials, will also compete.

This year’s UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon offers a prize of $58,000, including $10,000 each for the top men’s and women’s finishers. For the first time, the event has been awarded a World Athletics Road Race Label. Only five other U.S. races carry a label from World Athletics.

About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events

The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts nearly 40,000 runners.

For more information about the 2022 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events, visit www.thePittsburghMarathon.com.

(04/21/2022) Views: 1,210 ⚡AMP
by Running USA

U.S. Olympian Aliphine Tuliamuk will return to Pittsburgh to run her first race since the Tokyo Olympics at Pittsburgh Half Marathon

U.S. Olympian Aliphine Tuliamuk Returns to Pittsburgh for the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, Her First Race Since Tokyo Olympics.

U.S. Olympian Aliphine Tuliamuk will return to Pittsburgh to run her first race since the Tokyo Olympics at this year’s UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, May 1.

Pittsburgh has consistently been a stepping stone on Tuliamuk’s running career journey. In 2015, she ran her first marathon at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, finishing in second in 2 hours, 34 minutes and 44 seconds. She returned in 2018 to win the USA Half Marathon Championships while also setting the Pittsburgh Half Marathon event record of 1:10:04.

“Pittsburgh has become a special city for me,” Tuliamuk said. “It’s where I learned that the marathon was painful but worth the struggle. Winning the 2018 USATF Half Marathon Championship gave me much needed confidence as I built toward the 2020 U.S. Olympic Trials.  This year I am hoping for the same competitive atmosphere that Pittsburgh always brings. It will be my first race in a while, and I wanted to come to a place where I feel comfortable.”

Preparations for the race are going well for Tuliamuk, who is currently training in Flagstaff, Ariz. Tuliamuk says her HOKA Northern Arizona Elite teammates hold her accountable and push her every day. A lot has changed since her last Pittsburgh appearance in 2018. In February 2020, she won the U.S. Olympic Marathon Team Trials, and then watched the world shut in response to the pandemic. When the Tokyo Olympics were postponed in 2020, she decided to use the time off from competing to have a child. After having her daughter Zoe in January 2021, she returned to training and competed in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics seven months later.

“The pandemic has reinforced to me the importance of knowing what makes you happy and living life toward that pursuit,” Tuliamuk said.

She hopes Pittsburgh will once again bring her success and allow her to demonstrate her talents as an accomplished endurance athlete.

“This is a city that values hard work and champions,” Tuliamuk said. “It is nice to feel admired and respected by anyone associated with Pittsburgh.”

Tuliamuk will join other top American and international runners competing for the $58,000 prize purse in the 2022 UPMC Health Pittsburgh Half Marathon. For the first time, the event has been awarded a World Athletics Road Race Label. Only five other U.S. races carry a label from World Athletics. The full field of elite athletes for both the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon will be announced later in April. 

The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts nearly 40,000 runners.

(04/06/2022) Views: 1,051 ⚡AMP
by Running USA

P3R and DICK’S Sporting Goods have signed a new multi-year partnership as title partner of the Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events

DICK’S Sporting Goods Signs Multi-Year Partnership with P3R as Title Partner of the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events scheduled for April 29 - May 1, 2022.

“DICK’S Sporting Goods is a foundational partner of ours and makes this incredible weekend of events possible with their continued support,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “Our partnership is unique because DICK’S Sporting Goods understands the importance of our mission to encourage any and all to move with us, and through this partnership we get to see thousands of runners hit their next goal.”

Through this partnership, DICK’S Sporting Goods will continue to be the title partner of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events. DICK’S also will continue to support and grow participation in Kids of STEEL, a free training program that motivates families and kids across more than 180 schools in Western Pennsylvania to get moving and make healthier choices.

“We are excited to continue to support the running community of Pittsburgh and this great event,” said Mark Rooks, DICK’S Sporting Goods Vice President of Community Marketing. “Our partnership with P3R allows us to support runners of all ages in our local community. Partnering together on the marathon and other programs, like Kids of STEEL, not only allows us to support our local community, but supports our mission of helping youth athletes participate in sports.”

Last year, the weekend of events introduced a second half marathon course exclusively for the Run for a Reason Charity Program that organizers were unable to execute due to COVID-19. In 2022, those runners who earned their way into this exclusive start line by fundraising $1,500 for an official charity of their choice will have the first opportunity to run this brand new course.

500 participants will experience the first ever start line in Shadyside, as well as a full red carpet experience, unique medal and special race day bib. Learn more about registering as a charity runner here.

It has been two years since the event was in person, and P3R, DICK’S Sporting Goods, as well as the entire Steel City, are excited to welcome runners back to the start line for 2022.

Runners will be able to register for the 2022 weekend of events starting August 11 at the current early bird rate of $95. Learn more at thepittsburghmarathon.com.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods

Founded in 1948, DICK'S Sporting Goods is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of July 31, 2021, the company operated 731 DICK'S Sporting Goods locations across the United States, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a combination of its dedicated teammates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops dedicated to Team Sports, Athletic Apparel, Golf, Outdoor, Fitness and Footwear.

Headquartered in Pittsburgh, DICK’S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream specialty stores, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile app for scheduling, communications, live scorekeeping and video streaming. DICK'S offers its products through a dynamic eCommerce platform that is integrated with its store network and provides athletes with the convenience and expertise of a 24-hour storefront. For more information, visit the Investor Relations page at dicks.com.

(08/10/2021) Views: 1,087 ⚡AMP
by Running USA

Dunkin’ will serve as the official coffee and donut of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

 Pittsburgh runs on Dunkin’ is taking on a whole new meaning this week, as P3R and Dunkin' team up for the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. Through this collaboration, Dunkin’ will serve as the official coffee and donut of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, to keep runners of STEEL fueled throughout their training, and help them celebrate after their runs. 

Dunkin’ will kick off the 2021 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend with a special black and gold Pittsburgh Marathon donut at participating local Pittsburgh locations, so runners and fans alike can join in to celebrate the virtual weekend of events. The donut will feature vanilla flavored icing with black and gold sprinkles and will be available at participating Dunkin’ locations April 30 through May 2, 2021. 

“We are always excited to participate in collaborations that furthers our strong connections with the local community, ” said Anthony Braun, COO and CFO of Heartland Restaurant Group, a Dunkin’ franchisee. “We are thrilled to keep the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon participants running on Dunkin’.”

Dunkin' is the world's leading baked goods and coffee chain, serving more than 3 million customers each and every day. Dunkin’ offers more than 30 varieties of donuts as well as dozens of premium beverages, bagels, breakfast sandwiches and other baked goods.

“Teaming up with Dunkin’ is important to us because we know that coffee and running go hand-in-hand,” said P3R VP of Partnerships & Runner Experience, Caroline Fitzgerald. “Dunkin’ is the perfect place to fuel-up pre-run, and to celebrate post-run.” 

(03/23/2021) Views: 1,128 ⚡AMP

2021 Pittsburgh Marathon has been cancelled due to the pandemic

The 2021 Pittsburgh Marathon is effectively cancelled.

The city won’t grant a permit for the Pittsburgh Marathon this year, “effectively cancelling” the race.

“It is obviously a disappointment,” said runner Morgan Price. “But I’d rather people not get sick, especially since people who typically run marathons are typically concerned about their health and the health of others.”

City officials and P3R tried to plan a safe way to have the marathon, but the city ultimately decided May would be too soon to hold such a large event.

“All of us at the City of Pittsburgh are optimistic that we will be able to host in-person events as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Mayor Bill Peduto in a press release. “We will continue to work closely with P3R in the coming weeks and months to host in-person races and other events starting this summer.”

Registered participants have the option to race virtually. If that doesn’t work, they can get a refund of their registration fee.

This year’s race would have been Price’s first, but the runner is adapting with the times.

“Unfortunately, just didn’t work out that way,” Price said.

“Last year, I decided I wasn’t going to do it at all. But I’m thinking I might just do the virtual option. I don’t want to keep getting to 20 miles and quitting, so I do want to finish it,” Price added.

(01/29/2021) Views: 1,509 ⚡AMP
by Bryant Reed

More than 13,000 runners are getting prepared for virtual Pittsburgh Marathon

Runners from across the United States and the world are gearing up to run their committed distances from wherever they are as the DICK’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon goes virtual in 2020.

13,000 runners from 43 states and 5 countries will either run outside or on treadmills on what should’ve been the weekend of the 2020 race.

Thirty percent of runners this weekend will be completing their first marathon and 23% of runners will be completing their first half-marathon.

All ages will be running this weekend or have already completed their virtual marathon, including 81-year-old Henry Wood, a Pittsburgh native. Wood finished his 28th Pittsburgh Marathon and 51st marathon overall on April 19.

Raffi Wilbur is a 5-year-old double-amputee who will be completing the Chick-Fil-A Kids Marathon alongside his father.

More than 1,100 runners have already raised over $350,000 for local and national nonprofits.

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The Pittsburgh Marathon is Cancelled but Jeff Gleason and a small group of his buddies will be running their own marathon

COVID-19 might have put a stop to the Pittsburgh Marathon, but it didn't stop a group of Pittsburgh runners from planning their own. During the wee hours of the morning Friday, March 27, elite athlete Jeff Gleason and his running buddies will go the distance – running while the rest of Pittsburgh sleeps. 

His small team is nothing short of extraordinary: "Wayne Kurtz is our de facto race director -- he actually ran 30 full Ironmen over 30 straight days," says Gleason. I'll serve as co-pilot and Bill Thompson, ultra-runner extraordinaire, will be my wingman. He ran across the entire state of Tennessee for no particular reason."

When the alarm rings, they will lace up their running shoes and strap on head lamps. Starting somewhere between 1 and 2 a.m., they will track their miles by Garmin and finish long before the city wakes. And afterwards, they are planning to go to work.

Gleason is not a quitter. In addition to medaling in marathons, he has completed over 70 ultramarathons. His "never say die" attitude got him through four 135-mile crossings of the Mojave Desert in unbearable heat and Big Foot, an excruciating 200-mile race through mixed terrain across the Cascade Mountains in Washington State.

That perseverance also came into play a few years ago, when debilitating knee pain knocked Gleason off course. Several physicians told him knee replacement was necessary, and he would never run again. After searching high and low, he found Richard Berger, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Rush UniversityMedical Center, Chicago, who performs joint replacement without cutting muscles, ligaments or tendons. Because of this, the recovery is faster with less scar tissue build up. That means within months, athletes like Jeff can return to their sport. In fact, three months post-surgery, Jeff completed the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. In hindsight, he says, "I could have done the whole [26.2], but my wife would have killed me."

In addition to the Pittsburgh Marathon, Jeff was planning to complete his 30th 100-miler ultra in New Jersey—which was also cancelled. But even with no foreseeable races in his future, he found a silver lining. "Fortunately (or maybe not so fortunately)," says Gleason, "I have some friends who are crazy enough to run over 26 miles in the middle of the night."

Above all, Jeff is just happy to be running again—pain free. "There is a running God," he admits, "and his name is Dr. Berger." 

(03/26/2020) Views: 1,487 ⚡AMP
by Jeff Gleason

Pittsburgh Marathon scheduled for May 3rd has been cancelled says the organizers

We regret to share with all of you that the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon will not take place in 2020. We worked with our partners in the City of Pittsburgh, at UPMC, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania throughout this process; however, the City of Pittsburgh has — in accordance with guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention — banned all gatherings of 50 or more people during the eight-week period beginning March 15, 2020, in efforts to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

We know that this is the right thing to do to ensure the safety of our participants, staff, volunteers, medical professionals, security personnel and spectators. We are heartbroken to have to cancel this year’s DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend. Each year, more than 40,000 runners take to the streets of Pittsburgh — including kids as young as one year old to grandparents in their nineties, and each of you has a unique story to tell. We know that many of you started training even before January first and have put in months of effort to get to race day, and now that isn’t going to happen. We understand that you are disappointed, and we’re sure that many of you are upset that this is the outcome

(03/18/2020) Views: 1,635 ⚡AMP
by Race Organizers

Leonard Korir and Stephanie Bruce won the USATF Half Marathon titles in Pittsburgh

On a cool, damp Sunday morning in the City of Champions, Leonard Korir, 32, from Colorado Springs, CO and Stephanie Bruce, 35, from Flagstaff, AZ won the USATF Half Marathon titles, clocking 1 hour, one minute, 53 seconds and 1:10:44, respectively. Against top U.S. fields, Korir earned his 9th national title and second USATF Half Marathon title, and Bruce earned her second national title.

In the men’s 32nd national half marathon championship, Stanley Kebenei, Korir and Andrew Colley took an early lead with fast mile splits of 4:41 and 4:42 at Miles 3 and 4. At nine miles, Korir made his move and took a lead, followed slightly behind by Kebenei.

Korir kept a 4:45 minute per mile pace until the end, breaking the tape four seconds ahead of Kebenei at 1:01:53 and securing the 10th fastest half marathon championship performance of all time. Colley finished in third at 1:03:11.

“I like how Stanley pushed the pace early on and kept the race honest,” said Korir, a 2016 U.S Olympian. “I knew I had a good push at the end. We are teammates, so I was glad to help him get a personal best.”  

In the women’s 23rd national half marathon championship, the leading pack of six runners included Sara Hall, Bruce, Katy Jermann, Bethany Sachtleben, Samantha Palmer and Emma Bates.

At mile 5, Bruce, Hall and Bates pushed the pace and broke from the pack. At Mile 12, Bruce made her move and with her final push was able to finish in 1:10:44, the 9th fastest female half marathon championship performance of all time. Hall finished in second with a time of 1:11:04, and Bates took third with a time of 1:11:13.

“Running with Sara and Emma today, we made it like a boxing match,” Bruce said. “Everyone took turns at the lead, and we were pushing each other.”

(05/06/2019) Views: 2,235 ⚡AMP

Zev Rosenberg was Paralyzed, Now He’s Running The Pittsburgh Marathon To Honor Tree Of Life Victims

When Zev Rosenberg hit his head while working at his HVAC business in 2015 and lost feeling throughout his body, his first reaction wasn’t panic ― it was calm calculation about how long it would take for someone to find him. 

“It was about 2:00 p.m. If my wife hadn’t heard from me by 5:00, she’d probably start to worry a bit, but she wouldn’t want to bother me, so she probably wouldn’t call anyone until 6:00 or 7:00,” he recalled. “I was like, ‘I could be here for a couple hours, so buckle up.’”

It’s perhaps not your typical response to paralyzation from the neck down, but Rosenberg isn’t your typical guy. The 57-year-old, who suffered a spinal cord injury that temporarily paralyzed him and made him an incomplete quadriplegic, ran a marathon just a year after his injury ― and will run the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 5 to honor the 11 people killed in the Tree of Life synagogue shooting in 2018. 

Rosenberg, who first began marathoning at age 49, was moved by the fact that the race this year falls between two Jewish holidays: Yom Hashoah, the day of Holocaust remembrance, and Yom Hazikaron, the Israeli day of remembrance for soldiers and victims of terror.  

HuffPost chatted with Rosenberg about his decision to run the Pittsburgh Marathon, his connection to the tragic Tree of Life attack and what message he hopes to send through his participation. 

I have an incomplete injury, where the cord is damaged. In that instance, you don’t know what it’s going to be. Maybe you’ll have a full recovery, maybe you’ll have a partial. The only way you’re going to know is to keep hacking away at your abilities and try to see how good you can get and how to better tolerate the injury. 

The time I was actually paralyzed was rough; it wasn’t clear what was going to happen. I try not to think about it so much. When I got to the hospital, nothing changed for three days. On the fourth day, I started to stand and I said, “If I can stand, I can walk. And if I can walk, I can run. Eventually.”

The important message is run, respect, remember. Run is the activity, respect for our first responders and guardians who run toward the fire, the shooting, while others are running away ― all the dispatchers, mechanics ― everyone involved deserves our respect, and to remember. We need to remember the victims and that this really happened. There are kids coming up today who have no idea what 9/11 is. This race comes between Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron, that’s the message of memory of that magnitude that we have to have for what happened in this place.

(05/04/2019) Views: 1,985 ⚡AMP
by Jamie Feldman

13-year-old Eli Carr is going to be running Pittsburgh Half-Marathon in Honor of Mother

40,000 runners will be picking up their bibs at the Health and Fitness Expo for the 2019 Dicks Sporting Good Pittsburgh Marathon, but for one runner this race is extra special.

Eli Carr had to get special permission to run the half marathon because he's only 13 years old. He's running in honor of his mother."

"I'm running with my mom's teacher friend, Deisha Clayton," Carr said. "She's been amazing and helped put this all together."

Eli said Deisha posted on Facebook that she was going to run the Pittsburgh Marathon in honor of her friend Carolyn, his mother.

"Eli had seen that and he came to me and said, 'Dad I want to do that,'" said Eli's father, David.

"I wanted to do something in her honor, and I this would be one of the perfect thing to do," said Eli.

His mother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in March of 2018 and passed away in November.

At 13-years-old, Eli is a wrestler at Wendover Junior High and placed 2nd in the state championship this year, but is too young to run the race.

Eli wrote a letter to the race committee saying he wanted to run for his mom. It was approved.

"I was so happy I couldn't believe it," he said.

On Sunday, Eli and Daisha will run the 13.1 miles together, and have raised over $3500 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, an organization that was really dear to Carolyn.

"He wants to help other people that are going through the fight that Carolyn went through," said David.

A proud Dad who said he's anticipating a wave of emotions to take over him as he watches Eli cross the finish line.

"I'm extremely proud of actually both my sons how they've handled all of this and always wanting to be positive about everything," he said. "It's a reflection of Carolyn and I see her living through them. It's pretty cool."

And Eli knows his mom will be watching.

"I think she would be really proud," he said.

(05/04/2019) Views: 2,057 ⚡AMP
by Katelyn Sykes

Ethiopian Ayantu Dakebu Hailemaryam Is set to win again for the third time at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

Two-time winner Ayantu Dakebu Hailemaryam seeks to repeat against a top international field at this year’s Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, set for Sunday, May 5. This year’s race will feature a total prize purse of $56,000 including $8,000 for each race champion.

Hailemaryam, of Ethiopia, won the women’s division of the 2016 DICK’S Sporting Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon with a time of 2:39:18. 

She repeated in 2017,  improving her time by nearly three minutes to finish in 2:36:20. To earn the coveted laurel wreath once again, she will need to beat fellow Ethiopians Bose Gemeda Assefa, the 2018 Richmond Marathon Champion who has a marathon personal best of 2:32:59, and Bizuwork Getahun Kasaye, the 2018 the Vermont City Marathon champion who has a marathon personal best of 2:38:15.

The impressive women’s field includes decorated race champions and rising American athletes, including Christina Murphy and Brittany Tretbar who will lead this year’s American field.

Tretbar is making her Pittsburgh debut and has a marathon personal best of 2:41:29. Murphy, who won the 2018 Columbus Marathon, returns to Pittsburgh after placing third in 2015.

“This is my first time back in Pittsburgh since finishing third in 2015,” said Murphy. “I am so excited to experience the challenges of the course and the excitement of the crowds again on May 5 and hopefully improve upon my previous performance!”

In the men’s race, Ethiopian Tadesse Yae Dabi, the 2018 Philadelphia Marathon champion, is the top seeded runner with a marathon personal best of 2:11:50. He will face tough competition from Kenyans Eliud Ngetich, the 2019 Mercedes Marathon winner who has a marathon personal best of 2:11:59, and Boniface Kongin, the 2017 Philadelphia Marathon who has a marathon personal best of 2:14:00.

Ethiopian Birhanu Dare Kemal, with a marathon personal best of 2:12:21, will return to the race after placing fourth last year. This year’s race has also attracted emerging American professional athletes who hope to use their finishing time in Pittsburgh to qualify for the 2020 U.S. Marathon Olympic Trials.

To support these athletes, P3R will provide a pace team who will lead the American female elites to an Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifying “B” Standard time. The trio of Pittsburgh competitive runners plan is to reach the finish line in 2:44:59 (“B” Standard time is 2:45:00).  

(04/02/2019) Views: 2,147 ⚡AMP

A new virtual training program is connecting treadmill runners from around the world to help runners get ready for their next marathon

Preparing for a marathon can be a lonely experience, especially in the dead of winter when the weather makes running outdoors an unappealing proposition. But a new virtual training program is connecting treadmill runners from all over the world, and you can use it to get ready for this year’s marathon.

Zwift, a fitness company founded in Long Beach, Calif., in 2014, is partnering with organizers of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon to offer racers free access to the first-of-its kind, customized program that makes indoor runs more engaging.

“We’re committed to ensuring our runners have the best race experience possible, and that includes helping them throughout their training and giving them the best tools available to accomplish their goals – Zwift Run helps us do that,” says Patrice Matamoros, CEO of Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon (P3R), a nonprofit organization that sets up races throughout the city.

Here’s how it works: Participants create a Zwift account and pair a Bluetooth-enabled treadmill, foot pod sensor or smart shoe to the app to unlock hundreds of events, including workouts, group runs and races that will take them through digital environments everywhere from London to Richmond, Va., to New York City’s Central Park. Other features include real-time tracking data and post-run metrics.

Zwift Group workouts are designed specifically to prepare athletes for Pittsburgh’s marathon, which twists and turns through 14 neighborhoods. More than 40,000 runners are expected to pound the pavement on May 3-5 in seven events.

(02/18/2019) Views: 2,089 ⚡AMP

Pittsburgh Marathon is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Nuun, as Official Hydration Partner

Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R), one of the nation’s premier endurance organizations, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Nuun, the #1 selling sports drink product in the running, cycling and outdoor specialty marketplaces. Nuun will serve as the Official Hydration Partner of the award-winning DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events, one of the 20 largest marathon and half marathon events in the nation.

“At P3R, we think that Nuun’s products are the absolute best option for runners and other athletes seeking a healthy and sustainable hydration option.” said Troy Schooley, P3R’s senior vice president of partnerships and sales. “Our goal at P3R is to help every runner cross the finish line, and we’re confident that our partnership with Nuun will help our runners achieve their next personal bests.”

Nuun will provide their sports drink optimized for longer distance endurance events at all aid stations along the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon course. The products will help runners maintain adequate hydration throughout the race, offering every participant the opportunity to achieve a personal best on race day ― whether that is beating a previous race time, crossing the finish line with a loved one or running farther than they ever have before.

"Nuun is thrilled to work with the remarkable team at P3R and hydrate their participants at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon,” said Kevin Rutherford, Nuun President and CEO. “We are on a mission to inspire movement and look forward to celebrating the achievements of the nearly 40,0000 runners along the three rivers in May.”

This organic partnership will extend beyond the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events. Nuun has signed a contract to support participants at all of P3R’s events, including the Liberty Mile, GAP Relay presented by UPMC Health Plan and EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler.

(01/19/2019) Views: 2,084 ⚡AMP

Olympic Triathlon Gold Medalist disappointed with her 4th Place at USATF Half

Olympic triathlon gold medalist Gwen Jorgensen continued her road to the marathon with a disappointing, for her, 4th place in the USA Track & Field Half Marathon Championships in Pittsburg, PA. on Sunday May 6. She finished in 1:10:58, behind Aliphine Tuliamuk's 1:10:04 for the win. It was Gwen’s first half-marathon and she felt the pain of a torrid early pace. Notwithstanding her sense that it wasn’t her day, it’s the third impressive performance for the new pure runner in as many races, with a 15:15 indoor 5000, a 31:55 outdoor 10,000 (for the win) and now this. Gwen has a way of lasering in on the weakness in her game, as she did while shoring up her swim and bike in triathlon, and one expects her just to get better. Whether her best event is the marathon or something shorter is still an open question, but that’s a good problem to have. (Photo: Gwen in red singlet with hat) (05/09/2018) Views: 1,841 ⚡AMP
by Dan Empfield/ Slowtwitch.com

Nicole’s daughter could run six miles faster than she could walk 3/4 of a mile, that prompted her to lose 92 pounds

Nicole Klan used to enjoy cheering on her children and husband as they competed in cross country, track and field and road races. On Sunday, however, Klan will lace up her running shoes and run in the half-marathon at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. It will be the second half-marathon Klan has completed in the year and four months since she tackled a weight-loss program on which she has lost 92 pounds. “I’ve tried literally everything to lose weight, multiple times,” said Klan, 47.  But a turning point came in October 2016, when Klan traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to watch her daughter, Tricia, compete in the Columbus half-marathon. In the time it took Klan to walk three-quarters of a mile to see Tricia at mile 6, her daughter had already passed that point. “She was faster running six miles than I was walking three-quarters of a mile, and then after walking there and back I couldn’t walk for three days,” said Klan. She also had grown concerned about her health – her blood pressure and cholesterol levels were high. On Jan. 7, 2017, Klan walked into a Weight Watchers meeting, committed to losing weight. She was shocked when she stepped on the scale and saw she weighed 255 pounds. There, one of the instructors told her she would be more successful if she participated in a physical activity she enjoyed. “All of my family members are runners – my dad ran his first marathon at 60 and they always seem like they’re having a good time, so I thought I’d give it a try."  She began walking, and when she was able to walk 45 minutes without pain, she started Couch to 5K, a program designed to help beginner runners run a 5K in nine weeks. It took Klan a little longer – five months – but in July 2017 she completed the Whiskey Rebellion Run/Walk. (04/30/2018) Views: 1,917 ⚡AMP
by Karen Mansfield/ Observer-Reporter

Last year's Pittsburgh Marathon Champion Wants to run faster this year

Two-time winner Clara Santucci and defending men’s champion Jacob Chemtai will be seeking repeats against top international fields at the 2018 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, set for Sunday, May 6. This year’s 26.2 mile race features a prize purse of $57,000, including $8,000 for each race champion. Jacob Chemtai, 31, of Kenya, who won the 2017 race in 2:15:25, wants to run even faster this year, but like Santucci, he will face a strong field of contenders. “Coming to the start line as the defending champion, I will already be motivated, and I will try not to disappoint,” Chemtai said. “I will try to push early while bearing in mind that I am competing against the world's best, so I will have to focus and run my race by not competing with anyone but time.” Challenging him will be several men who have clocked a marathon under 2:10, including Milton Rotich, who has a marathon PR of 2:08:55; Werkuneh Seyoum Aboye, who has a marathon PR of 2:09:27; and Fikadu Girma Teferi, who sports a marathon PR of 2:09:34. (04/26/2018) Views: 2,041 ⚡AMP

Olympic Triathlon Gold Medalist Gwen Jorgensen is making her half-marathon debut May 6

Jorgensen joins U.S. top field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Sunday, May 6. Olympic Triathlon Gold Medalist Gwen Jorgensen will make her half-marathon debut in Pittsburgh next month at the 2018 USATF Half Marathon Championships, part of 10th annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events. The 31-year-old former professional triathlete announced her retirement last fall to focus on distance running, with the goal of winning gold in the 2020 Olympic Marathon in Tokyo, Japan. “I am very excited to be making my half marathon debut at the USATF Half Marathon Championships and look forward to testing my limits at this new distance” Jorgensen said. “I heard the course is fast with some inclines across five bridges, finishing with a tough climb. The course also goes past the Penguins stadium, and although I have never been to Pittsburgh, I am a Penguins fan.” At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Jorgensen became the first American woman to win Olympic Gold in the Triathlon. Later that year, she ran the New York City Marathon clocking 2:41:01, finishing 14th. (04/24/2018) Views: 1,813 ⚡AMP

USATF Half Marathon Championships in Pittsburgh

Some of the nation’s best runners will descend on the City of Champions on Sunday, May 6 for the 2018 USATF Half Marathon Championships. Headlining this year’s field are the defending USATF Running Circuit Champions Leonard Korir and Aliphine Tuliamuk. For the first time, the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, part of the 10th annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events organized by P3R, will host a national road championship race. Korir, 31, a U.S. Olympian in 2016, recently set a half-marathon personal record of 59 minutes, 52 seconds - the third fastest time by an American. The 2017 USATF Half Marathon Champion has had previous success on Pittsburgh roads, winning the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler in both 2014 and 2016. (04/05/2018) Views: 2,067 ⚡AMP

Pittsburgh Marathon Increases Course Time Limits for the First Time

This year’s DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon courses will be identical to the 2017 routes. While the routes will look familiar, P3R is making another kind of change that will impact both returning and new runners. The full marathon course time limit will be increased from six to seven hours, and half-marathon participants will now have three and a half hours to complete the course. Runners will have to maintain a 16:00 minute per mile pace, up two minutes from the previous 14:00 minute per mile rate. (02/27/2018) Views: 1,871 ⚡AMP

USA Half Marathon Championships Offering Record Prize Purse

The UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, part of the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend, will double as the USA Half Marathon Championships on Sunday, May 6, 2018. The prize purse totaling $85,000 is the most ever. The top 15 finishers in the male and female open divisions will earn guaranteed prize money, including a record $15,000 each for the male and female winners. There will also be an opportunity to earn additional money through performance time and record bonuses. (01/21/2018) Views: 1,440 ⚡AMP