Pittsburgh Marathon
The Lowdown
The Pittsburgh Marathon, first run in 1985 and now one of the region’s signature spring events, blends a long local history with a revitalized modern production. Organized by the same team behind the Highmark Pittsburgh Marathon series, the race draws thousands of runners and spectators to the city each May. Over the decades the event has showcased Pittsburgh’s rebirth from an industrial center to a vibrant cultural hub, and the 2026 edition continues that tradition with a professionally managed field, strong community support, and festival-style race weekend activities. The course is a highlight in itself — a challenging and scenic route that threads through Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, parks, and its famous trio of rivers. Runners start in the heart of the city and traverse iconic areas including the North Shore, the Strip District and Lawrenceville, roll through green corridors near Frick Park and Oakland, and cross several of the city’s historic bridges for dramatic river vistas. The finish at Point State Park, at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers forming the Ohio, provides a memorable and photogenic finish framed by downtown skyline views. Expect varied terrain with rolling hills and downhill stretches that reward careful pacing and strategic effort. The atmosphere is lively and very much fan-driven: enthusiastic neighborhood support, live bands and DJs at multiple course points, and themed cheer zones that give the race a festival feel. Runners often praise the energetic volunteers, on-course amenities, and post-race celebration in the park. The course is USATF-certified and an official Boston Marathon qualifying course; it is also listed with AIMS, ensuring accurate distance measurement and recognition for qualifying performances.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Moderate rolling hills
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Historic marathon course records still stand (men's and women's)
Jan 1, 1995The Pittsburgh Marathon men’s course record remains John Kagwe’s 2:10:24 (set in 1995) and the women’s marathon course record remains Margaret Groos’s 2:29:50 (set in 1988); neither record has been broken by recent editions through 2025, making the course attractive to runners chasing long-standing bests.
Organizer announces 2026 registration open and projects a 50,000+ weekend
Aug 13, 2025P3R opened registration for the 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend on 2025-08-13 and stated the event will welcome more than 50,000 participants across marathon, half, relay and community events, signaling continued high demand and large participant fields for May 1–3, 2026.
WTAE/Channel 4 named official media partner for 2026 race weekend
Nov 9, 2025On 2025-11-09 P3R announced WTAE Channel 4 as the official media partner for the 2026 Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend; the partnership includes expanded race-week coverage, a special Chronicle episode, and a dedicated finish-line camera stream to increase spectator access and media exposure.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Point State Park
The course runs along the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers and passes the iconic fountain at Point State Park
Roberto Clemente Bridge
Runners cross this historic yellow suspension bridge linking downtown to Pittsburgh’s North Shore and ballparks
PNC Park
The route goes by the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates on the North Shore
Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field)
The marathon skirts the stadium complex where the Pittsburgh Steelers play
Strip District
A lively neighborhood of markets and food vendors that runners pass through in the early miles
University of Pittsburgh Cathedral of Learning
A landmark Gothic tower in Oakland that marks the university district portion of the course
Schenley Park/Oakland
Scenic parkland and tree-lined roads through Schenley Park and the Oakland cultural and educational corridor
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 at least 16 years old on race day
- All entrants must complete online registration and pay the entry fee prior to race day
- Participants must provide accurate date of birth and emergency contact information
- No bib transfers allowed; entrants must run under their registered name and number
- Participants must comply with event rules and USATF competition policies
- Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing health conditions
Required Documents
- Race-issued Gear Check bag (for gear check)
- Gear Check tag attached to bib
- URL with race results for seeded position consideration (if applying for seeded position)
- Tax documentation (W-9, W-8BEN, W-8ECI) if eligible for prize money (elite athletes)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator Packages
- Bib Transfer/Deferred Entry
- VIP/Corporate Entries
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registration is non-refundable
Participant transfers to another registered runner permitted until 30 days before the race for a $25 transfer fee
Deferral to the following year allowed until 30 days before the race for a $25 processing fee
Medical deferral available with physician's note for credit toward next year's entry
If the race is cancelled by the organizers for reasons beyond participants' control, registrants will be offered a full refund or entry deferral to the next edition
The course showcases Pittsburgh’s iconic bridges and finishes at Point State Park at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, offering panoramic downtown views.
Runners receive a finisher medal and technical long-sleeve shirt, and the post-race village includes food, hydration, and a beer garden for participants 21+.
Race weekend features a Health & Fitness Expo with packet pickup, vendor booths and a kids’ run, plus options to race the marathon, half marathon, 5K and relay on the same weekend.
The course includes several notable hills and bridge crossings—plan for rolling climbs in the Squirrel Hill/Forbes area and expect faster, downhill stretches into the downtown finish.
Aid stations are well spaced along the route with water and sports drink roughly every 1.5–2 miles; use public transit or early arrival for the best parking and spectator access near the start/finish areas.
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.