This Old Runner Writes About Running

How to Race Through Pittsburgh, PA

7/27/2019

If you're in Southwest Pennsylvania this Summer and Fall check out these local races. You'll find lots of options on distances. Let's start with a one miler!

August 9 | 7 PM
Fleet Feet Liberty Mile

$30 Adults; $10 Kids 13 & under

The Liberty Mile is a USA Track & Field certified course. It's the fastest mile in Pittsburgh!

Register to run and you'll get a chip-timed race with online tracking, a finisher shirt, and post-race food.

The race begins on Penn Avenue between 5th Avenue and 6th Street. It finishes a mile later on Liberty Avenue near Triangle Park.

Starting line of The Liberty Mile in downtown Pittsburgh, PA (Photo credit: Fleet Feet Liberty Mile)

More Liberty Mile Info:

You must register for one of the official Fleet Feet Liberty Mile heats
You can only win prize money for the heat in which you're officially registered
Gun time (not chip time) is used for cash awards
Participants must be able to finish a 20-minute mile
Parents must register and pay to run with their child
Bikes, skateboards, scooters, baby joggers, strollers, roller skates and roller blades are NOT allowed on course
No handcycles and hand-cycle wheelchairs
No Pets (unless registered for the Pup Trot Mile)

August 22 | 7 PM
SCRR Food Truck 5K

FREE

The Steel City Road Runners are hosting a FREE 5K on Thursday, August 22nd. All runners are welcome! Meet at the SCRR Garage: 810 River Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA.

Race check-in at 6:30 pm. The 5K starts at 7 pm with official timing. The Coop Food Truck will be there from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Race, then feast on some chicken and waffles.

The Coop Food Truck specializes in chicken and waffles! (Photo credit: The Coop)

August 24 | 9 AM
Run Around the Square | Frick Park

5K cost is $25; 1.5 Miler is $20; 1.5 Miler for Runner & Dog $25

Run Around the Square began in 1982. It's grown into one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest 5K races.

There's a 5K with NO dogs, and a 1.5 Mile run/walk that allows leashed dogs to participate. Owner and dog must register.

The races boast a festive atmosphere with musicians playing on the course. 1.5 Miler takes place on the streets of Regent Square. The 5K travels from the flat section of Regent Square into the heart of Frick Park.

All people participants receive a shirt. Dogs get a bandana.

Course map for Run Around the Square 5K in Pittsburgh, PA.

5K race course for Run Around the Square in Pittsburgh on August 24, 2019.

Runners in the Run Around the Square 5K in Pittsburgh.

Racing to the finish inside Frick Park. (Photo: Run Around The Square)

Runners gathered after the race in Frick Park.

The finish line party includes lots of vendors, beer, food, and more. (Photo credit: Run Around The Square)

There's a post-race party at the finish line with beer, hot dogs, snacks, and vendors.

September 21 | 10 AM
FlyBy 5K at Pittsburgh International

5K cost is $35; 2 Miler is $20

Race on the runway with your family and friends. Run or walk a 5K or 2 Miler at Pittsburgh International Airport. It's a unique race that offers views you won't get any other way.

5K is a timed-event with a 1.5 hour time limit. The 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk isn't timed, and you have up to 45 minutes to finish.

Strollers are allowed in both events, but the runner and anyone in the stroller must be registered to participate. All participants get a shirt and finisher medal.

No animals are allowed on the course unless they are a registered service animal.

Participants in the Pittsburgh International Airport FLYBY 5K.

Racers on the runway at the Pittsburgh International Airport FLYBY 5K. (Photo credit: Pittsburgh Flyby 5K)

September 28-29 | 8 AM
Richard S. Caliguiri Great Race

Saturday: Fun Run, Tot Trot & Diaper Dash are $10 until race day.
Sunday: 5K cost is $35; 10K is $40

It's a Pittsburgh Tradition! Bring the kids to Point State Park for the Dollar Bank Junior Great Race on Saturday.

Come back on Sunday to race in the Great Race 10K or 5K. where you will cross the finish line in downtown Pittsburgh. All participants must run a 12-minute pace or faster.

The 10K begins in Frick Park. The mostly downhill course travels along Forbes Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and Boulevard of the Allies before finishing in Point State Park. The 5K begins at Fifth Avenue and Atwood Street in Oakland. It follows the same route as the 10K to the finish. Map below.

10K and 5K Participants receive:

Long-sleeve, technical men’s or women’s finisher shirt
Finisher medal
USATF-certified course
Chip-time with online tracking with instant online results
Virtual Goody Bag
Post-race Food

There's an awards ceremony and raffle on Sunday in Point State Park after the races.

10K runners in Frick Park during the Pittsburgh Great Race.

Runners in Frick Park during the Great Race. (Photo credit: Great Race)

Course map for the Pittsburgh Great Race 5K and 10K events.

November 2 | 8 AM
EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler

10K is $60; Relay is $110. Price increases on August 6.

The EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler course takes participants on a scenic tour of Pittsburgh through historic and charismatic neighborhoods.

The start line, located near Station Square, sits along the Monongahela River with one of the best views of Downtown. There's lots of on course entertainment.

There are 4 starting line corrals:
A - Runners faster than 8-minute/mile pace
B - 8 to 8:59-minute/mile pace
C - 8:59 to 9:59-minute/mile pace
D - 10-minute/mile or slower pace

All runners receive a long sleeve tech shirt, finisher medal, timed race, and post-race food and entertainment.

Runners in the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler race.

Take in all the beautiful Fall colors during the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. (Photo credit: EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler)

May 1-3, 2020
Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend

Registration opens on August 13, 2019.

I ran the Pittsburgh Half in 2019, and recommend it! I'll be back soon with a link when registration opens.

Picture of downtown Pittsburgh showing the river, two bridges and downtown office buildings.

Beautiful day in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo credit: Google)

Don't Miss Your Chance to Run in Pittsburgh on May 5, 2019

3/26/2019

Yinz Guys! The Pittsburgh Marathon and Half Marathon registration closes on March 31st, and it's almost full! Don't miss your chance to move through Pittsburgh!

This race takes you through Pittsburgh and it's iconic neighborhoods. Choose a half or full marathon on Sunday, or run a shorter distance on Saturday of race weekend. Lots of events and races for runners of all levels (and even for your pups!)

Hurry up or you won't get to run! (Photo credit: @PghMarathon)

#MOVEPittsburgh #PittsburghMarathon #RunnersOfSteel #SteelCityRunners #RunPittsburgh #HalfMarathon

Pittsburgh Half Marathon is in Two Months!

3/7/2019

This Half Marathon is Getting Real!

Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Marathon

When I saw this post by Pittsburgh Marathon it hit me how close my next half marathon is! It's not as scary as one month or one week, but it's a good reminder I have work to do before the big day (May 5, 2019).

I'm excited to run through the #SteelCity. If you follow @PghMarathon on Instagram you can see all the neighborhoods on the race course.

Here's the half marathon map:

Map of 2019 Pittsburgh Half Marathon on May 5

Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Marathon

The biggest difference between a half in Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh is the elevation. This half marathon crosses all three of Pittsburgh's rivers on three different bridges.

I'm excited to visit all the different neighborhoods. That's one of the best parts of Pittsburgh. I'm running this one with my daughter, so it will be fun to share the views. Also, I've heard wonderful things about crowd support in the 'burgh.

Here are a few facts about the race course:

USA Track & Field certified course
Eight medical aid stations
Water and Nuun Hydration offered at eight fluid stations
Honey Stinger gels at one location

If you want more details, check out the turn-by-turn directions for the course here.
A course map with elevation information is here.

More fun facts about the Pittsburgh races:
The USATF Half Marathon Championship takes place at the Pittsburgh Half.
The Pittsburgh Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. There is a Marathon Relay option.
There's a Kids Run, Toddler Trot, Pet Walk and 5K on Saturday, May 4th.

Want to Join Us in Pittsburgh?

If running Pittsburgh sounds good to you, register soon! See you at the starting line.

#RunnersOfSteel #MOVEPittsburgh #ThisOldRunner #RunPittsburgh #PARunners

2019 Pittsburgh Marathon "In Training" Shirt

10/18/2018

Waiting to Wear Long Sleeves

My beautiful sweat-wicking, lightweight, long-sleeve #RunnerOfSteel Pittsburgh Marathon In Training shirt arrived at the start of October. And I haven't had a chance to wear it on a run yet. (Still hitting high 80s here in Florida.)

Sure, I've worn it around the house in the air conditioning, but that's not the same, is it? I'm thinking the first time I wear it outside will be while we're in Pittsburgh next month. Here's a picture so you can admire it with me.

It's a Brooks #RunHappy shirt. It's Black and Gold. It looks fast.

2019 Pittsburgh Marathon IN TRAINING shirt

(Photo Credit: This Old Runner)

I'm excited about running the half marathon next May in my hometown. I'm also terrified of running the hills since I'm used to the flat lands of Florida. But, it's all about the challenge, right?

Prices Go Up on October 23rd at Midnight

If you plan on running on May 4 in Pittsburgh, sign up soon. Prices increase 5 days!
Register: https://raceroster.com/16245?aff=P6ACM

Pittsburgh Magazine's List of the Most Enjoyable Parts of the Pittsburgh Marathon

Last April in honor of the 10th running of the race, Pittsburgh Magazine described the 10 most enjoyable parts of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Read the article to see what you can expect to see during the race.

(Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Magazine)

Also — do you see those hills? I'll be running the half with my daughter next May. Until then I'll be training on every hill I can find here in Florida!

#RunnerofSteel #RunPittsburgh #PittsburghMarathon #PittsburghHalf #ThisOldRunner #10YearsRunning #SteelCityRunners

2019 Pittsburgh Half and Marathon Weekend is May 3-5, 2019

8/6/2018

I did it, and you should, too! Sign up for the 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon today (Aug. 6) and you'll get the best price. There's an event for everyone and their dog! 5K, Half, Marathon, Relay, Kids Races, Pet Walk, etc. The entire weekend is full of fun and races.

I got the half marathon for $65. The price goes up in $1 increments all day, but won't be more than $80 if you register today. I'm excited to be running this race in the Steel City next May. It's going to be more hills than my usual races, but there's plenty of time to train.

It's time to register for the 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon. (Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Marathon)

Over the Rivers and Bridges

The Pittsburgh Marathon and Half courses include lots of bridges — because Pittsburgh has three rivers. The races are a eye level tour of a unique city. Pittsburgh is a city that acts like a small town. Everyone is friendly, and you'll see plenty of spectators as you run through different neighborhoods. Your tour includes running past the stadiums where the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins play their home games. Here we go!

USATF Half Marathon Championships

The course is USA Track & Field Certified. In fact, the men's and women's 2019 USATF Half Marathon Championships will be held Sunday, May 5, 2019. Last year, at the 2018 national championship race held in Pittsburgh, Chris Derrick won the men's title in 1:02:37. The women's title went to Aliphine Tuliamuk for finishing in 1:10:04. Read more about the USATF Half Marathon Championship in Pittsburgh. Expect to see some elite runners at the Half.

Time to start bridge training. (Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Marathon)

See You at the Starting Line

If you've been eyeing the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, now's the time to do it! Register today for the best price. See you there!

#PittsburghMarathon #RunPittsburgh #MovePittsburgh #Half #ThisOldRunner #DiscountPrice #SteelCityRoadRunners #SCRR #RunTheBurg #RunnersOfSteel #BibChat