Frequently Asked Questions

⏰ Early Registration, Lower Prices: At the heart of our pricing structure is the commitment to rewarding early birds. When you register early, you not only secure your spot at a lower cost, but you also help us better plan and allocate resources to create an event that exceeds your expectations.

📊 Planning and Preparation: Organizing an event of this magnitude requires meticulous planning and preparation. From securing permits to coordinating city services, we invest time and resources upfront to ensure a seamless race day experience.

💰 Cost Predictions and Operating Expenses: As much as we'd love a crystal ball, predicting the exact number of participants isn't always straightforward. Price increases reflect the reality that, as the event draws nearer, our ability to accurately gauge participation becomes more challenging. This uncertainty translates into higher operating costs to accommodate changes and ensure your safety and satisfaction.

👥 Your Early Registration Matters: By registering early, you help us make informed decisions that positively impact your experience. Your commitment provides us with the data needed to allocate resources efficiently, ensuring well-stocked hydration stations, top-notch medical support, and a vibrant race atmosphere.

💡 Secure Your Spot and Save! Early registration isn't just about the dollars; it's about the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're part of an unforgettable event. By taking advantage of our lower prices, you're investing in a race experience that's both rewarding and financially savvy.

💥 Unlock Exclusive Deals and Flash Sales: We're all about making participation accessible to everyone. By registering early and staying connected with us via email, you'll be among the first to know about exclusive deals, flash sales, and special offers. These opportunities further enhance your experience and make your journey to the starting line even more exciting.

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Take the Leap, Register Early! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ We encourage you to seize the moment and secure your spot at the best possible price. Your early registration not only benefits you but also plays a vital role in the overall success of the event. Join us in creating a memorable experience that unites runners, fuels passions, and celebrates accomplishments.

We are unable to provide refunds for registration fees. You do have the option to purchase event insurance from a third party during the registration process, which can safeguard your fees in certain situations. Moreover, if your plans change and you find yourself unable to participate on race weekend after registering, you do have the option to transfer your registration to another participant. We believe in empowering you with alternatives that ensure your experience remains positive and your investment is well-utilized. If you purchased a protection policy during your registration, please visit https://www.fanshield.com/ to file a claim

Please note that there is a transfer fee of $20, plus any applicable change in registration fee.

We are unable to offer the option to defer registrations to the following year. In the event that you find yourself unable to participate on race weekend after completing your registration, we do provide the alternative of transferring your registration to another participant. Our commitment is to offer solutions that accommodate changing situations and ensure a seamless experience for all involved. If you purchased a protection policy during your registration, please visit https://www.fanshield.com/ to file a claim

Please note that there is a transfer fee of $20, plus any applicable change in registration fee.

We understand that circumstances change, and you may find yourself unable to participate as initially planned. To accommodate this, we offer the ability to transfer your registration to another participant, allowing you to share the joy of racing while still making the most of your investment.

If you would like to transfer your registration, simply log into your Race Roster account. Once you are logged in, you will see a box labeled Transfer on both the right or left sides of the screen. Please click on the box and then select Transfer to New Participant and complete the steps as directed. If you purchased a protection policy during your registration, please visit https://www.fanshield.com/ to file a claim

Please note that there is a transfer fee of $20, plus any applicable change in registration fee.

If you would like to switch your registration to a new event, log into your Race Roster account. Once you are logged in, you will see a box labeled Transfer on both the right or left sides of the screen. Please click on the box and then select Transfer to New Participant and complete the steps as directed. If you purchased a protection policy during your registration, please visit https://www.fanshield.com/ to file a claim.

Please note that there is a transfer fee of $20, plus any applicable change in registration fee.

Yes, there will be a pace team for the marathon and half marathon distances.

We anticipate offering the following marathon pace groups; 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:10, 4:15, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:30. 6:00 and 6:30 Run/Walk.

In the half marathon we anticipate offering the following pace groups; 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00 Run/Walk. 

In the BACK Half Marathon we anticipate offering the following pace groups; 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 3:00 Run/ Walk. 

There are several garages where you can park on race weekend. We recommend that you use the ParkPGH app to help you plan your parking based on real-time information.

• On Saturday, May 3, 2025: Road closures are expected to begin by 6:30 a.m. We recommend that you arrive by then for the 5K to avoid being rerouted as you approach the course. As we get closer to race weekend, we will provide more specific times for road closures, as well as route information to navigate in and out of the city. 
• On Sunday, May 4, 2025: We recommend that you plan to arrive by 5:30 to avoid major road closures. As we get closer to race weekend, we will provide more specific times for road closures, as well as route information to navigate in and out of the city.

Saturday, May 3, 2025:

• 5K: 7:30 a.m.
• Toddler Trot: 8:30 a.m.
• Kids Marathon: 9:30 a.m.
• Pet Walk: Noon

Sunday, May 4, 2025:

• Marathon: 7 a.m.
• Half Marathon: 7 a.m.
• BACK Half Marathon 9 a.m.
• Marathon Relay (Leg 1): 7 a.m.

While there is full coverage throughout the course (depending on your carrier), it’s possible that with so many people using their phones at the same time (especially at the start and finish lines) that coverage is sometimes difficult to rely on. We recommend that runners and their families have a backup plan to connect in the event that cell phone reception is unavailable.

If you are unable to pick up your packet in person at the Health & Fitness Expo, you have two options:

1. Authorize a friend or family member to pick up your packet for you at the Health & Fitness Expo (they will need to show their own photo ID and a completed packet pickup slip - the completed slip will have the participants name and bib number, along with the name and phone number of the person picking up.)
2. Purchase Will Call when you register. Will Call will allow you to pick up your race items on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. This is the only option to pick up your race gear outside of posted expo hours. Please note that Will Call is only available for Sunday events.

They’re collected and donated!

Due to safety concerns, wheeled items such as baby strollers and baby joggers, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, roller blades, stc. are not permitted on the course. Participants who need mobility assistance (for example, adaptive strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) can contact us at info@p3r.org for more information regarding accomodations.  

Sure, as long as it’s safe to run in and you follow all rules and instructions from race officials! As a reminder: backpacks, duffel bags, bags, hard or soft coolers, or purses are not permitted in the start and finish line areas or along the course, and you must clearly display your bib to access your start line corral and remain on the course.

While they are technically permitted, we strongly discourage you from using headphones, as they may make it more difficult for you to hear race officials in case of an emergency. Additionally, you’ll miss hearing the crowds of spectators cheering you on and the bands entertaining you throughout the course!

Head over to our friends at VisitPITTSBURGH for everything you need to know about visiting our beautiful city!

It's simple: Run the UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K Run on Saturday and take on one of our Sunday events (DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon, or FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay). The result? You'll have conquered the ultimate STEEL CHALLENGE, and the rewards are as impressive as the journey itself!

Yes, but you'll need P3R's help to start the process. Please email info@p3r.org and we can assist you.

Runners who participate in any 2025 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend event, any 2025 America's Mile heat, and any 2025 EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler event will complete the P3R Triple Crown Challenge and earn an extra medal to celebrate their accomplishment!

Yes, you can register virtually for any Marathon Weekend event here. Items for all virtual participants will be mailed 2-4 weeks after Marathon Weekend.

Ff you are registered for virtual and want to switch to in-person, please email us at info@p3r.org.  Anyone who registered for in-person and would like to participate virtually can switch via Race Roster.

Please visit www.fanshield.com to file a claim. 

Yes, a lactation or mothers' room will be available on both Saturday and Sunday of the Pittsburgh Marathon events to provide a private and comfortable space for nursing or pumping. For more details about the location and accessibility of the room, please reach out to the P3R team at info@p3r.org.

We’re here to support your needs and ensure a positive experience during race weekend!

If you notice a non-emergency issue, such as a pothole, a hazardous sidewalk, or a downed wire, please call 3-1-1 to report it to city services.  

3-1-1 service requests are directed within 24 hours to the city agency that works to solve your issues.  City agencies respond to requests as quickly as possible.  

For suspected crimes or non-urgent safety concerns, contact 3-1-1.

Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies, such as reporting a crime, fire, or medical emergency or if the situation poses an immediate threat to someone's safety or life.

Spectators who purchase the VIP Spectator Experience will receive:

• Exclusive access to the indoor pre-race lounge and post-race party
• Catered race day breakfast and lunch
• VIP Access to the finish line area
• Access to indoor restroom facilities
• Exclusive 2025 merch
• Early entrance to the Pittsburgh Health & Fitness Expo

We will provide a runner tracking option - stay tuned!

We encourage runners and their families and friends to make a plan for where to meet after the race (as noted above, cell phone reception in the finish line area can be spotty due to so many people using the network in the same place). There will be a family reunion area in the Finish Line Festival at Point State Park.

The Red Cross is located on Liberty Ave in Gateway Center and they will be able to look up a runner's bib to let you know if they are being treated in our medical tent.

When you arrive at the Pittsburgh Health & Fitness Expo, you will first pick up your race bib and event shirt. You need to know your bib number to retrieve it (we will send you a link the week leading up to race weekend, and there will be opportunities to look up your bib number before you enter the expo). You will also need to present your photo ID. Please note that Kids Marathon, Toddler Trot, and Pet Walk bibs will be organized by last name, not number.

If you are registered for a Sunday event (marathon, half marathon, or marathon relay) and can’t make it to the Health & Fitness Expo while it’s open, you can purchase the Will Call option to pick up your race gear on Saturday night after the Expo closes or Sunday morning before the race beginning. Will Call is the only packet pickup option outside of regular Expo hours. Please note that if you purchase Will Call, your race items will not be available for pickup during regular expo hours. Will Call is only available for Sunday events. For more questions, please contact info@p3r.org.

If you’d like to Run for a Reason, you can select your charity of choice when you register! You will pay the upfront registration fee, and if you raise the minimum amount (based on your selected event), you will be eligible to receive a refund of your registration fee. Please note that in order to receive a refund, a charity runner’s funds raised must be dedicated to only one official charity. For more information, please visit our Run for a Reason charity page!

Of course! Each charity runner will receive their own fundraising page through Race Roster to collect donations. We also have a fundraising guide available to help you with several ideas to kick start your efforts and creativity so you can be successful!

If you raise the minimum amount of funds based on your event, you will be eligible to receive a refund of your registration fee. Additionally, charities have different perks for their charity runners. Charity runners can also join the $1,000 club if they raise at least $1,000 and receive a special thank you gift!

The BACK Half Marathon offers a unique and impactful race experience, benefiting the Run for a Reason Charity Program. Open to all in 2025, participants can choose between registering as standard runners, supporting the program through their entry fee, or as charity runners who fundraise for a charity of their choice. Limited to 1000 runners, the event promises an exclusive starting line experience in Shadyside, with downtown finish line festivities. To learn more, click here.

When the 2025 results are available, we will post them here.

Email us at info@p3r.org.

In previous years, we have hosted a shirt swap at our headquarters after the race. If we have enough leftover shirts, we will do so again!

Please email jim.popovich@p3r.org.

Please email jake.sommers@p3r.org.

Please email jake.sommers@p3r.org.