BACK Half Marathon 101

Everything you need to know to have an amazing experience at the 2025 KeyBank | UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh BACK Half Marathon!

Before Race Week:

Friday, May 2 + Saturday, May 3:

Getting Your Race Gear: You can pick up your race bib and participant shirt at the Pittsburgh Live Well Expo presented by GNC on Friday, May 2 or Saturday, May 3. You will need to know you bib number (lookup will be available in late April).
As a thank you for supporting the Run for a Reason Charity Program, make sure you visit the Volunteer Check-In Booth to pick up your exclusive BACK Half Marathon race item!

Sunday, May 4:

Schedule:
- Shuttles to the BACK Half Marathon start line will depart outside PPG Paints Arena (1001 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219) at 8 AM. We invite you to join spectators at the start line on Liberty Avenue to cheer on your fellow runners as they begin their races!
- 9 AM BACK Half Marathon begins!
Parking: Where you park is really up to you! For Sunday's events, some participants park on the North Shore or in Station Square and walk to the downtown area — we recommend you use the ParkPGH app for real-time capacity for Pittsburgh's garages. Be sure to review the road closure information so you can avoid any unnecessary delays!
Gear Check: BACK Half Marathon participants will have their very own gear check truck located outside the PPG Paints Arena. Make sure you drop off your gear before boarding the start line shuttle. This gear check truck will be located at the Gateway Center T-station after your event!
- You must use a race-issued clear Gear Check bag — which you can pick up at the Pittsburgh Live Well Expo presented by GNC (check here for hours!) next to Participant Services — as well as your Gear Check tag (which is a tear tag at the bottom of your race bib).
  - Luggage bags, oversized or overnight items, loose articles, or bags that are not race-issued will not be accepted at Gear Check.
- Do not check valuable items such as medication, jewelry, cell phones, cameras, electronic devices, etc. The event is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.
- You must show your bib number when dropping off and picking up your gear.
- Participants will NOT be permitted to bring or carry bags into the start line area.
At the Start Line: The shuttles will drop you off at the start line. This exclusive event has its own start line! This start line area will have photo-ops and a pre-race fuel station to hydrate and grab some light snacks for your race. When the race starts at 9:00 AM, participants will run approximately 0.35 miles on Ellsworth Avenue before joining the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon course on Fifth Avenue. This event will be officially timed, and you will finish the race at the official downtown finish line.
The Finish Line: In the finish line area, you will receive your special golden version of the half marathon medal! Be sure to look for the volunteers handing out the gold medals - they will recognize that you are a BACK Half Marathon runner by your special race bib! Then head to Point State Park for the Finish Line Festival powered by Cleveland Brothers.