Pittsburgh Marathon
The Lowdown
The DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon (presenting sponsor DICK'S Sporting Goods) is the centerpiece of Pittsburgh's signature spring race weekend, organized by P3R ("Pittsburgh is a Running City"). First run in 1985 and re-launched in the modern era, it has grown into one of the region's premier road races, drawing a mix of elite runners, Boston qualifiers and thousands of enthusiastic local participants. Marathon weekend is as much a civic festival as a competitive race, with a health-and-fitness expo, kids' events and festival-style activities across the city. The course is a scenic tour of Pittsburgh's iconic bridges, three rivers and historic neighborhoods. Runners take in downtown skyline views, cross several of the city's bridges, and pass through the North Shore (PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium), the Strip District, Oakland past the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning, and the leafy stretches near Schenley Park before returning toward the river. Expect Pittsburgh's rolling hills and short, steep climbs that reward strong, strategic pacing, along with loud neighborhood support, live bands and well-spaced aid stations. The course is USATF-certified and an official Boston Marathon qualifying course, measured to AIMS-compliant standards. For 2027 the event returns as part of the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend, scheduled for May 1-2, 2027, with the full marathon traditionally held on the Sunday.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Moderate rolling hills
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Jane Bareikis wins back-to-back women's titles; Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa takes men's race
May 4, 2025Jane Bareikis of Crestwood, IL successfully defended her Pittsburgh Marathon title, winning the 2025 women's race in 2:36:00. Ethiopia's Mulgeta Birhanu Feyissa won the men's race in his Pittsburgh debut in 2:14:30.
WTAE Channel 4 named official media partner for 2026 race weekend
Nov 9, 2025P3R announced WTAE Channel 4 as the official media partner for the 2026 Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend, including live race coverage, a dedicated finish-line camera stream, and a special Chronicle episode.
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 meet the published minimum age 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
- Photo ID required for packet pickup
- Runners must start in their assigned corral/wave and follow race official directions
- Participants must comply with event rules and USATF competition policies
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID (required for packet pickup)
- Race-issued Gear Check bag and tag (for gear check)
- URL with race results for seeded position consideration (if applying for a seeded position)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator Packages
- Bib Transfer/Deferred Entry
- VIP/Corporate Entries
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registration is non-refundable
Participant deferral and transfer options are typically offered for a processing fee within published deadlines (confirm current-year policy at registration)
Medical deferral available with physician's note for credit toward a future entry
If the race is cancelled by the organizers for reasons beyond participants' control, registrants are offered a refund or deferral per the published policy
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.
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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