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I’ve found myself at the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend every year since 2009, with the exception of 2020 and 2021, when we were forced to carry on the tradition virtually.   DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend is an experience unmatched by the hundreds of races and numerous marathons I’ve participated in over the past 20 years of running.  It is an experience so compelling that I vow to be there every year that I can move – no matter what conflicting event arises on my calendar.  

It is my honor and pleasure to share the start line with you all marathon weekend.  I am confident that your experience will be uplifting, euphoric and one of the highlights of the entire year. I cannot wait until we take on this challenge together.

To make sure that you have the best possible experience, I am sharing some tips that I have learned from having participated in-person DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend for 11 years. I hope these tips are beneficial to you.

Friday

If you are coming from out of town like me, come early, and soak in as much of Pittsburgh as possible.  Pittsburgh is no ordinary city.  There are activities to suit every taste. The first thing you will want to do, of course, is to visit the expo at the David L. Lawrence convention center. Pittsburgh traditionally has one of the largest and best race expos. You will pick up your race bib and packet here, and take time to visit all of the wonderful vendors. You will want to take advantage of numerous photo opportunities in front of various Pittsburgh-related backgrounds.

For Friday evening entertainment, sports fans are in luck this year (2022), as the Pirates host the Padres at PNC Park, while the Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Arena.  So pick your favorite sport, and take advantage of the opportunity to see an NHL or MLB game while you are in town.  For those who do not enjoy sports, I recommend booking a dinner cruise on the Gateway Clipper, so you can enjoy good food and take in the majesty of the city at the same time.  I like to cap my Friday night with a ride up the Duquesne Incline to take in the view from Mount Washington. Really, there is no greater view from any city in the world, and going up there never gets old.  Take some moments to look at the Pittsburgh streets, and wonder at the marvel that there will be thousands of runners on them Saturday and Sunday – including you and I!

Saturday

Saturday is highlighted by the UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine 5k, the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon and the Sheetz Pittsburgh Toddler Trot.  It also includes the Pittsburgh Pet Walk.  All of these events are wonderful as stand-alone races, or warm-ups for those of us participating in events on both Saturday or Sunday.

The Saturday events are great ways to involve your family and friends in the weekend fun. On Sunday, your friends and family members will be out on the marathon course cheering for you. This is your time to reciprocate, either by pacing with them during the 5k, or resting your own feet while you cheer on your family or other members of your Sunday support crew while they run or walk the 5k or participate in the kids marathon or toddler trot.  

The kids race is a can’t-miss theater, even for those of us who do not have children in the race.  I strongly recommend lining the street and cheering as the thousands of children in the Kids of Steel program come running by to complete their one-mile races.  It’s emotional and inspiring to watch those kids pursue their fitness goals.  And just like us adult runners, kids love crowd support.

Here are a few tips to make your Saturday easier.  Both the 5k and the kids race start on the North Shore and finish downtown.  You will want to familiarize yourself with the Pittsburgh light rail system “the T” which will transport you between the north shore (using the North Shore station) and downtown (using the Gateway station) for free.  This way, if you park on the north shore and finish downtown, you can use the T to get back to your car after the race.  Or you may choose to park downtown and take the T to the start.  The race course will then lead you near your car for after the finish.

I also recommend going back to the expo on Saturday, for the simple reason that it feels like you are spending less money there if you break up your purchases over two days.

Finally, if you have time, check out the Heinz History Center in the Strip District, very close to the convention center. The History Center contains the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.  There you will see all the tributes to the Pittsburgh area’s professional, collegiate, and high school sports stars and teams.  Do not miss my favorite exhibit – the display celebrating the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race.

Sunday

The marathon, the half marathon, and the marathon relay are the crown jewels of marathon weekend.  These races are our chances to shine as runners, while the City of Pittsburgh, in all its glory, shines right back at us.

Reserving any of the convenient, affordable hotel rooms through the marathon website will make race morning super easy The marathon did a great job negotiating group rates.  There are currently hotels available right next to the start line for less than $200 a night.  You never find quality hotels that close and affordable at any other major races.

You can also easily drive into the city on race morning.  If you do this, please keep in mind road closures, both before and after your race.  Study the parking map the race publishes on its website.  I typically recommend runners park on the north shore and walk downtown, or if you are driving from the east, park at the First Avenue Garage and station where you can walk or take the T station closer to your corral.

If you are driving in, the race typically recommends arriving downtown two hours prior to the start.  You may be able to arrive 90 minutes before the start if you really plan well, but getting there early will reduce race morning stress.

The Sunday Races

Once you are in your corral, look around and feel the excitement.   You are surrounded by so many people from so many different backgrounds who, like you, have trained for months for this day.  Enjoy the national anthem.  In Pittsburgh style, get ready to hear Renegade as you take your turn crossing the start line.

One of the things that sets Pittsburgh apart from other marathons is the crowd support – including the numerous bands and cheer squads along the course.  Take advantage of this fact by drawing your energy from the crowds.  If you are running near me, you will likely hear me professing my love for the city of Pittsburgh and for every single person out on that course cheering us on.   Engage with the crowd and your fellow runners. Enjoy the bands and neighborhood cheer squads as you take your 13.1 or 26.2 mile tour of the city built on steel.

We raced virtually for two years alone. We don’t have to race alone in 2022.  Let’s savor this experience together.