History
The marathon was first announced on October 3, 1984, with U.S. Steel and PNC Bank as sponsors.[2][3]
The inaugural marathon was held on May 5, 1985.[4]
The Pittsburgh Marathon hosted the United States Olympic Marathon Trials for women in 1988 and for men in 2000.[5][6] The trials used the same course that the main marathon did, but were considered separate events from the main marathon.[4] In addition, Pittsburgh has served as the site for the United States men's national championship three times, the National Wheelchair Championship in 1986, as well as the Olympic Marathon Trials for both Finland and Denmark in the 1980s.
In 1996, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) became the title sponsor, replacing Giant Eagle, and the race was renamed the UPMC/City of Pittsburgh Marathon (or a variation thereof) for a few years.[7][8] In late 2003, serious financial difficulty within the City of Pittsburgh municipal budget and UPMC's withdraw from the title sponsorship led to the suspension of the race from 2004 to 2008.[7] In 2009, the event was revived with a new title sponsor, Dick's Sporting Goods, which renewed interest in the race.[9]
In 2010, a small microwave oven containing a suspected explosive device was found on the sidewalk near the finish line.[10][11] Because a car bombing attempt in New York City had emptied Times Square the previous day, authorities were on high alert and delayed the race for about 10 minutes while a bomb squad robot neutralized the oven's contents by blowing up the microwave.[10][12] Ravioli was found among its contents, and police later believed the oven had never contained any explosives.[10][13]
The 2020 and 2021 editions of the race were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all registrants having the option to either run the race virtually or obtain a refund.[14][15][16]
Course
Historically, the course has wound through the unique and hilly topography of the city. Crossing five different bridges, the course traverses all three rivers of Pittsburgh at least once. The start and finish lines have changed many times, but have always been in either Downtown or the North Shore. Previous finish lines have included Point State Park, David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and the 50-yard line of Heinz Field.[17] The current finish line is on the Boulevard of the Allies near Point State Park. Numerous other historic and well-known Pittsburgh neighborhoods are along the route, including the South Side, Oakland, Shadyside, East Liberty, Highland Park, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, and the Strip District.
Other races
Aside from the main marathon event, several races occur during the weekend of the marathon, including a half marathon, two to five person marathon relay, 5K race, and "kids marathon". All races except for the "kids marathon" and 5K utilize the same starting time and largely the same course as the marathon.
Participation
Attendance and popularity of the events has risen greatly since the 2009 revival. The 2012 race had the largest field in the history of the race. Registration for 2012 closed with roughly 25,000 participants between all races, with 6,000 entrants in the full marathon, 13,000 entrants in the half marathon, and 800 teams in the marathon relay, with the remaining entrants registered for the 5K.[18][19] Additionally, an estimated 60,000 spectators lined the course, and 4,000 volunteers provided assistance.[20] 2012 also marked the earliest sellout in the race's history with all events except the 5K selling out on or before March 6, 2012.[19]
Throughout the course, thousands of neighborhood residents show their support by lining the streets of the course and volunteering at aid stations.[21] Neighborhood organizations are awarded financial grants for community-engaging celebrations along the route.[21] Sixty bands, almost all of which are from the Greater Pittsburgh area, line the streets throughout the course, spanning a range of musical genres.[22]
John Kagwe
Margaret Groos
.jpg)
