Runners Proved They’re Made of STEEL during Virtual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events

May 3, 2021

More than 6,000 runners ages 5 months to 85 years completed the Virtual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events

PITTSBURGH (May 3, 2021) – For the second year in a row, thousands of runners laced up their running shoes and committed to MOVE in the Virtual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events. This year’s Virtual Race Experience presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods and Brooks Running allowed runners to experience some of the race day excitement, inspiration and jitters with customizable features and shareable content.

“This year, Runners of STEEL proved they are stronger than ever by running their second virtual race weekend,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “From the participants who ran their first 26.2 mile race solo to the kids who completed their last mile of Kids of STEEL, runners inspired us with their resiliency and dedication to keep moving with us. We have no doubt that our running community is only getting better and that next year’s in-person start line will never look so good.”

More than 6,000 runners represented Pittsburgh in 44 states and 9 countries. This year 399 runners ran their first-ever half-marathon, and 262 ran their first-ever marathon. Four Soul Survivors completed their 32nd Pittsburgh Marathon, having run every single event since 1985. Ninety-nine runners achieved a new personal record and rang the Virtual PR bell. Charity runners in the Run for a Reason Charity Program dedicated their miles to important causes and fundraised more than $300,000 for 32 official and 10 contributing charities.

“Being a part of something bigger than ourselves is what truly fueled our motivation to Run For A Reason this year,” said Tyler Symanski, a charity runner. “Knowing we had unconditional support from our family, friends, Miracle League, P3R, and — most importantly — our little Miracle League kiddos throughout our training as well as at our ‘finish line’ yesterday, made every mile we ran completely worth it. We are extremely grateful for and humbled by everyone’s love and support, and we can’t wait to be a part of Run For A Reason again in 2022!”

More than 3,500 runners and supporters interacted with the Virtual Race Experience during race weekend. In this immersive digital platform, runners were able to pledge to run and see how many other participants were running with them on their selected race date. More than 170 runners posted on the “Why the Run” Wall, leaving answers including “for health and happiness,” “because I conquered cancer,” “for my kids,” “to prove I can do hard things,” and many more. Friends and family supported runners and created 141 cheer cards . Runners and spectators also used the hashtag #MOVEPittsburgh on social media to connect with and support runners all the way to the finish line.

Click here to view and download photos from the 2021 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon virtual participants.

Organized by P3R, the 14th edition of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events will be held April 29-May 1, 2022. For more information, visit www.ThePittsburghMarathon.com.

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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 MOVEwith 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