Registration Open for the 2021 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events

August 5, 2020

New this year, there will be an option for charity runners to run in the first-ever UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh BACK Half Marathon to support largest Run For a Reason efforts to date

PITTSBURGH, PA – Registration for the 2021 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events is officially open. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to register for the weekend of events scheduled for April 30 – May 2, 2021.

New this year, the weekend of events is introducing a second half marathon course exclusively for the Run for a Reason Charity Program presented by Bank of America. Runners must earn their way into this exclusive start line by fundraising $1,500 for an official charity of their choice by December 31, 2020.

“We are excited to bring a brand new start line that runs the second half of the marathon course to those charity runners who work so hard to fundraise,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “This is something that only runners completing the entire 26.2 miles have had the opportunity to experience, so we can’t wait to give more runners this view of the city while fundraising even more for our local charities.”

500 lucky and dedicated half marathoners will earn the opportunity to experience the first ever start line in Shadyside, as well as a full red carpet experience, unique medal and special race day bib. Learn more about registering as a charity runner here.

The 2020 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events went virtual due to COVID-19 precautions, giving runners something to train for during unusual times but leaving them without the feeling of race day.

“You can take the race out of Pittsburgh and make it virtual, but you can’t take the ‘Pittsburgh’ out of the race. It was so well organized, and we felt supported by P3R and all of the thousands of Runners of STEEL taking part in the race,” said P3Runner Jeff Paladina.

Although Runners of STEEL crossed virtual finish lines all around the world in 2020, they have even more to be excited about with the upcoming 2021 weekend of events and returning to the start line they missed.

“I am looking forward to toeing the traditional start line at the 2021 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend. The excitement and joy of the morning before the race is unparalleled,” said P3Runner Jeanine McGuire.

Runners will be encouraged to MOVE all year long leading up to race weekend as the event updates its MOVE campaign to reflect the fun side of running.

“We wanted to remind runners that the sport, in its purest form, is meant to be fun,” Schooley said. “So many people have turned to running during the pandemic, and we want them to get outside and MOVE but also to show them how fun the race weekend experience is.”

Runners can register for the 2021 weekend of events and learn more at thepittsburghmarathon.com.

Story contact:  Kelsey Emch, P3R Public Relations Specialist, 417-425-9400 or kelsey.emch@P3R.org

About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events

The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts nearly 40,000 runners. Read more at: ThePittsburghMarathon.com

FACEBOOK: DSGPM                       TWITTER: @PghMarathon               INSTAGRAM: pghmarathon

About P3R

P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to run with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org

FACEBOOK: RUNwithP3R       INSTAGRAM: RUNwithP3R                 TWITTER: @RUNwithP3R