Review: The Pittsburgh Marathon Virtual Race Experience

Next Level Virtual Race Experience

The Pittsburgh Marathon raised the bar on virtual racing with their online Pittsburgh Race Experience for 2021. The website launched a week before race day. It's the best virtual race setup I've seen.

The 2021 Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Virtual Experience Presented by Brooks Running launched the Monday before race weekend (April 26). The interactive website has everything participants need before, during and after their race — all in one place. 

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Shareable Pittsburgh Marathon Social Templates

Runners could add gifs and post this template and others to Instagram with the #MOVEPittsburgh hashtag. (Templates credit: P3R/Pittsburgh Marathon)

All runners and walkers had access to downloadable templates shown below.

​The templates were available in both Instagram Story and Post sizes. 

• Announce Race Day Plans
• ​Tell The World Why You Run
• Cheer on a Friend
• ​Talk to Other Runners
• Share Your Results
• Explore The Expo
• Pick a Pgh Race Course
• Grab a Spotify Playlist
• Share Your Experience​​

It was easy to download or screenshot the templates,  add your own info, and then post on Instagram with the official race hashtag: #MOVEPittsburgh.

​Runners could engage with each other during race week and throughout the weekend!

Runners could claim their race day and distance.

The online expo offered training tips, product info, and discounts.

Let the people know why you get out there and move.

Runners could post their finish times + download a certificate.

Cheer cards made encouraging fellow runners fun.

Another Cheer Card used for Congrats!

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My IG Story on Race Day:

I had fun putting together an Instagram story about my half marathon using the templates. I added extra gifs in Instagram that you can't see here.

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Race SWAG Delivered to Your Door

Thanks to the hashtag #MOVEPittsburgh, I got a sneak peek of my runner swag when local Pittsburgh runners posted online. I could hardly wait for my race box to arrive here in Florida. It did not disappoint!

​My box arrived the day before my half marathon. Perfect! Receiving my box of awesome inspired me to get out the door the next day! Inside the swag box was: 

• #MOVEPittsburgh Lightweight Windbreaker
• Super Soft Long-sleeve Half Marathon Shirt
• Real Race Bib
• Pittsburgh Marathon Stickers
• Honey Stinger Gel & Waffle
• Nuun Endurance Podium Powder
• UPMC Lip Balm
• Magee Women's Sunscreen
• Eat 'n' Park Smiley Cookie
• Chick-fil-A Gift Card
• Dunkin' Donuts Coupons
• $10 OFF Dick's Sporting Goods

Just look at the goodies in my SWAG box! Plus the windbreaker in the photo below. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Closeup view of this year's medal. It's gorgeous! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

This windbreaker is super lightweight. I'm going to use it A LOT! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

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Finish Line Fun and Medal Monday

If you want to see how much fun this year's virtual runners had at the Pittsburgh Marathon events, just search #MOVEPittsburgh on Instagram. People were moving and crushing goals!

Here's my #MedalMonday smile! Did I mention I love this super soft stretchy shirt?! (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Some of the best posts online were when participants added this Finish Line arch and a breaking finish tape gif to their photos. (Credit: P3R/Pittsburgh Marathon)

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Let's Run in Person Next Year!

Thanks to everyone at P3R and the Pittsburgh Marathon. You did a FANTASTIC job making this year's virtual race fun and interactive.

The 2021 Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Virtual Experience Presented by Brooks Running website is the best. You guys thought of everything!

​I can't wait to be back in the 'burgh and racing in person next year. Until then, I'll be running around Florida in my new SWAG.

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