Kids Marathon
Calling all young champions! Get ready to unleash your energy, enthusiasm, and spirit in the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon! This one-mile timed race is designed especially for you, offering a taste of the excitement, camaraderie, and accomplishment that comes with being part of the running community.
Why do we call it a marathon?
It's called a marathon because through our Kids of STEEL program, kids run 25.2 miles as they train for race weekend. Then they cap off those 25.2 miles with their 1-mile race, which makes 26.2 miles! By calling it a "marathon," we emphasize the importance of perserverance, healthy habits, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing any distance.
Where do I get by child's bibs and shirt?
- Visit the 2025 Pittsburgh Health & Fitness Expo at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Friday, May 2nd from 11am-8pm and look for the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon booth.
- Visit the Kids Marathon packet pickup tent on race morning. The packet pickup tent will be in Red Lot 5 next to the start line on race day morning of the Kids Marathon event.
Run with your Kids of STEEL site or school! Check when your start time is in the heat schedule (released in April 2025).
DID YOU KNOW: We offer a sensory-inclusive space, a dedicated heat, as well as sensory-inclusive bags?
Learn more about our Sensory Inclusive Efforts by clicking HERE!
Unleash the joy of running!
Starting in a lively atmosphere, the 1-mile Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon allows kids to experience the thrill of crossing a real finish line, just like the marathoners. As you embark on this special journey, you'll be cheered on by parents, friends, and spectators who celebrate your every step.
This is more than a run – it's an opportunity to create lasting memories, boost confidence, and cultivate a love for a healthy and active lifestyle. It's a chance to set goals, conquer challenges, and experience the joy of achievement as you cross the finish line with pride.
Whether you're a young runner with dreams of becoming a marathoner one day or simply excited to participate in an event tailored just for you, the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon is your moment to shine. Join the ranks of kids who have celebrated this incredible journey, supported by the event's exceptional organization and the cheers of the crowd.
Ready to experience the thrill of being a part of the Pittsburgh Marathon legacy? Register now and be part of an event that celebrates your spirit, determination, and the joy of running. The road to an unforgettable kids' race starts here – are you ready to dash toward the finish line?
Kids Marathon Q&A
- No refunds or deferments of entry fees
- Parents/guardians do not need to register themselves for the Kids Marathon. If you will be joining your child, during the registration process, please choose YES when asked whether an adult will run with the child on race day. Each child may have one adult run with them on race day at no additional charge. You may purchase an additional parent bib during the registration process if you like.
- Paper/mail-in registrations will not be accepted after January 1, 2025
- Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, baby joggers, strollers, roller skates, and roller blades are not permitted on the course
- Headphones are strongly discouraged
- No animals are permitted on the course
Yes!
Yes, you may; however, you must complete a liability waiver and receive an official race number for the child (there is no charge for this). The child will not receive a shirt, medal, or goody bag. Please contact our office at kidsofsteel@p3r.org to receive the waiver prior to race day. You can print one out and turn it in at the "Bib Assistance" tent next to the start line in Red Lot 5A.
Adults running with a child in the Kids Marathon receive a matching adult race number (bib) to have access to the corrals and course. One bib number is for the child running, and the corresponding bib is for the adult.
- There will be a checkpoint to access the corrals. Security guards have the right to inspect bags prior to entry into the corrals. Only bring what you need that day and consider not carrying any bags which may delay your entry into the corrals.
- Only children and adults with a KIDS MARATHON race number will be permitted entry.
- All children will receive 2 matching race numbers, even if you didn’t indicate an adult participating in the run during registration.
- If you don’t intend to run with your child but want to wait in the corral with them, you must still wear the adult race number to access the corral.
- If you will have a child in a baby carrier (ex. baby sling, baby wrap or backpack), you must complete a liability waiver and receive a race number for the child.
- He or she will not receive a shirt, medal or goody bag.
- Please contact our office at kidsofsteel@p3r.org to receive the waiver prior to race day or plan time to sign a waiver at packet pick up on race day.
- Strollers or baby joggers ARE NOT allowed into the corral area.
There are no water stops on the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon course, so please carry water with you if you need it.
- If you want to watch your child from the sidewalk, remain on the north side of the Blvd. of the Allies, the same side of the street where Point Park University’s Academic Hall is located.
- Adhere to directions provided by event staff and race day security during the event. Their goal is to keep all runners safe and to unite children with their adults in the designated areas.
The first heat starts at 9:30 AM. Kids of STEEL sites are assigned to specific heat times. Please look for these race heat signs when you arrive and allow extra time on race morning to find your heat. All participants will receive the heat schedule ahead of time via email as well.
We follow guidelines from the Department of Public Safety. Heat start times are subject to change. Please plan to arrive downtown as early as possible to ensure you can adjust as necessary to any time changes.
If your child arrives in the finish line before you, volunteers will keep them in the finish line chute until you meet up with them.
There is a designated waiting area in the finish line chute for adults and children to be reunited. Tell your child to look for the "Waiting Area" signs after the finish line. If separated on the course, volunteers will direct kids to this area to be reunited.
Once you have your child, proceed through the finish line chute. Volunteers will check to ensure you have a matching number or ‘Kid Claim’ ticket before leaving the Family Reunion Area. If you have more than one child with you, have the ‘Kid Claim’ number available for each child for volunteers to check.
YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH OUR CHILD CLAIM PROCESSES AND LISTEN TO P3R STAFF/VOLUNTEERS FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Detach the ‘Kid Claim’ tag from your child’s race number before the race. The Family Reunion Area is at the finish area on the Blvd. of the Allies. Volunteers will check race numbers to make sure they match before leaving the Family Reunion Area. If you have more than one child with you, have the ‘Kid Claim’ number available for each child for volunteers to check.
YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH OUR CHILD CLAIM PROCESSES AND LISTEN TO P3R STAFF/VOLUNTEERS FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Yes, you can register virtually for any Marathon Weekend event. Your race items will not be available for pick up at the Expo.