DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
The Lowdown
The DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is a long-standing spring tradition in Pittsburgh that celebrates the city’s distinctive topography, neighborhood pride and riverfront skyline. Originally established in the 1980s and re-energized in the 21st century, the event has grown into one of the region’s premier road races, drawing a mix of elite runners, Boston-qualifiers and enthusiastic local participants. The marathon weekend features a lively expo, family-friendly events and a strong community focus — making it as much a civic festival as a competitive race. The course is a scenic, signature tour of Pittsburgh’s iconic bridges and neighborhoods: runners experience downtown skyline views and the Point State Park start/finish area, traverse multiple river bridges, and pass through the North Shore, Cathedral of Learning and Oakland academic district, lively Shadyside and the South Side before returning to the river. Expect the city’s rolling hills and short, steep climbs that reward strong pacing, along with loud, neighborhood support, live bands and aid stations that create an electric atmosphere. The course is officially certified for distance and is a Boston Marathon qualifying course; it is run under USATF/AIMS-compliant measurement standards, providing reliable certification for competitive and goal-oriented runners.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Record-Breaking Registration: 4,000 Sign Up on First Day for 2026 Edition
Aug 13, 2025Registration for the 2026 Pittsburgh Marathon opened with a block party kickoff event, drawing 4,000 participants by 6 p.m. on the first day. Organizers expect another year of record-breaking participation numbers, with over 50,000 participants anticipated across all marathon weekend events.
Jane Bareikis Wins Back-to-Back Women's Titles in 2:36:00
May 4, 2025Jane Bareikis of Crestwood, IL successfully defended her Pittsburgh Marathon title, winning the 2025 women's race in 2:36:00, improving on her 2024 winning time of 2:37:37. Ethiopia's Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa won the men's race in his Pittsburgh debut with a time of 2:14:30.
WTAE Channel 4 Named Official Media Partner with Unprecedented Coverage
Nov 9, 2025WTAE Channel 4 was announced as the official media partner for the 2026 Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend, providing the most comprehensive broadcast coverage in the event's history. This includes live race coverage, a dedicated finish line camera streaming on digital platforms, and a special Chronicle episode highlighting marathon stories.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Point State Park
The start and finish area at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers with iconic fountain and riverfront views
Roberto Clemente Bridge
A pedestrian-friendly suspension bridge on the North Shore passing near PNC Park and Heinz Field with skyline vistas
Strip District
Historic market neighborhood where runners pass lively food vendors, warehouses, and cultural spots
Fort Pitt Tunnel & Fort Pitt Bridge
A dramatic descent through the tunnel that opens onto the bridge with sweeping views of downtown Pittsburgh
Mount Washington (Grandview Avenue)
Elevated overlook offering panoramic views of the city skyline and rivers, a scenic highlight for spectators and runners
University of Pittsburgh / Cathedral of Learning
The course runs through Oakland past the University of Pittsburgh's Gothic Cathedral of Learning and academic boulevards
Schenley Park & Carnegie Museums
Tree-lined park roads and nearby Carnegie Museum complex provide a leafy, cultural stretch of the route
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Pittsburgh, PA, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Must complete online race registration and have an official race bib to start
- Must accept race waiver and health release during registration
- Photo ID required for packet pickup
- Runners must start in assigned corral/wave and follow race official directions
- Participants must obey all event and USATF competition rules
- No unauthorized assistance (no personal vehicles, bicycles, scooters, skateboards) on course
- No pets or baby strollers allowed on the marathon course
- Medical clearance recommended for entrants with pre-existing conditions; please consult a physician if unsure
- Participants must withdraw and seek medical attention if ill or injured prior to race start
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID (required for packet pickup)
- Signed race waiver / medical release
- Proof of qualifying time for seeded corral (official race results or time certificate)
- Parental consent form for participants under minimum age
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Corporate/Group Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Bib transfers/proxy transfers are not permitted
Deferral to the next year’s race available for a $40 processing fee if requested by March 31, 2026
Medical deferral available with physician’s note; grants credit toward a future race entry (processing fee may apply)
Race insurance recommended (organizer does not cover cancellations due to illness, injury, or travel)
The certified Boston-qualifying course crosses Pittsburgh's rivers and multiple bridges and finishes at Point State Park with iconic skyline views.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, and there is a large post-race festival with local food vendors and a beer garden.
The race weekend includes a Health & Fitness Expo, pre-race pasta dinner options hosted by local partners, and youth events such as a kids run.
Aid stations are located roughly every 1.5–2 miles with water, sports drink, and first-aid support, and organizers recommend using public transit or park-and-ride options because of widespread road closures and limited downtown parking.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.