PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) – Runners get ready because excitement is building for the 2011 Pittsburgh Marathon.

Organizers held a news conference today where a brand new course was unveiled for the this year’s running of the race on May 15.

Pittsburgh Marathon officials say the new route not only crosses all three of the city’s rivers, but it also provides enough room for 2,000 more runners.

The change is one of several being made to grow the race in its third year since a five-year hiatus.

The race attracted 16,000 runners last year, including participants in a half-marathon.

The new route that crosses the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers can accommodate 18,000 runners.

According to organizers, the new course will provide a better experience for runners and will enable participants to qualify for the U.S. Olympic trials or the Boston Marathon if they run a fast enough time in their respective age groups.

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