On the heels of the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Marathon will bring another surge of activity to Pittsburgh’s streets this weekend, from runners to spectators to those participating in other events.
This is expected to be the biggest marathon weekend ever, with more than 52,000 people participating in all events Saturday and Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about this exciting institution:
Routes and road closures
Yes, there will be another weekend of closed roads around the main areas of the city. But planning ahead will make a big difference when trying to get around.
The marathon route makes a loop around the city, starting at Liberty Avenue and 10th Street in Downtown and wending its way through more than a dozen neighborhoods before ending up near Point State Park, guiding runners to some of the city’s most iconic sights. Road closures will begin Friday, with the Boulevard of the Allies closed between Wood and Stanwix streets starting at noon.
Road closures will continue from 6:45 a.m. to about noon Saturday in Downtown and the North Shore, and starting at 1:30 a.m. Sunday across the city, with roads opening up again by about 2:30 p.m. Maps of road closures for Saturday and Sunday can be found at thepittsburghmarathon.com.
Some post-NFL Draft road closures also persist on the North Shore, so make sure to factor those in for any weekend travel.
Those participating in Sunday’s events are advised to consider parking in a lot on the North Shore. Check out ParkPGH.org for real-time parking updates around the city. As for public transportation, Pittsburgh Regional Transit will be operating on its regular weekend schedule. For schedules and updates, check rideprt.org.
Race weekend events
It’s called the Pittsburgh Marathon, but the full 26.2-mile run is not the only event going on by a long shot. This year’s full marathon is sold out. The main event begins at 7 a.m. Sunday.
The Half-Marathon is also starting at 7 a.m. Sunday on Liberty Avenue near 10th Street. You can also enter the Walking division for this race. If you want to sleep in, the BACK Half Marathon will start two hours later at 9 a.m. on Ellsworth Avenue between Morewood Avenue and Devonshire Street.
Get your friends or teammates together for the Marathon Relay, where a team of two to five complete the regular marathon course while taking turns. It also will begin at 7 a.m. Sunday at the marathon starting line.
Some events will be held Saturday, including the 5K race, which starts at 7:30 a.m. on West General Robinson Street next to PNC Park. There also will be a 1-mile Children’s Marathon starting at 9:30 a.m. and a Toddler Trot, a 50-yard course in Point State Park that starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
For a more leisurely stroll, bring your pet to the Pet Walk at Point State Park, a noncompetitive loop accompanied by furry friends. You can also participate in the noncompetitive Champions Mile, an event for people of all abilities that will allow you to walk, run or roll through Downtown, starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Alongside the weekend’s outdoor highlights will be the Pittsburgh Live Well Expo, which will be open Friday and Saturday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The expo includes a place for runners to pick up their race packets, vendors, giveaways, places to buy official marathon merchandise and more wellness-inspired booths. The doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday (with a VIP-only hour from 10 to 11 a.m.) and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
To learn more about all of the races taking place over the weekend, visit thepittsburghmarathon.com/races.
Weathering the run
We’re in for a slightly chillier weekend, according to the National Weather Service, which might put a damper on the spectators’ parade but should be good for overexerting marathon runners.
On Friday, the high will be 56 with a chance of showers. Saturday will have the same high but with a sunnier outlook, and Sunday will be mostly sunny with a high near 60 — though the temperature at the start of the race is projected to be in the 30s.
The Finish Line Festival
All runners, volunteers, participants and spectators are invited to revel in the glory of the finish line Saturday and Sunday with the Finish Line Festival at Point State Park. The event is open both days from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Saturday, participate in activities, take advantage of giveaways, learn about community organizations and recover from your races with booths from Sheetz, Eat’n Park, Humane Animal Rescue and Kids of STEEL.
On Sunday, take your victory lap in Point State Park with more giveaways and photo opportunities, get your finisher medal engraved, ring the PR Bell to celebrate and even get a well-earned beer with participating companies, including PNC, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Turner’s and Michelob Ultra.
Whether you’ve been training for months to finally run these 26.2 miles, you’re venturing into fitness with a 5K for the first time, you’re supporting a loved one who’s trying to meet a goal or you just like to watch, this will be a bigger and better marathon weekend than ever. Enjoy!