Take Part In The Marathon Without Breaking A Sweat

Tens of thousands of runners are registered to take part in the Dicks' Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon this Sunday; but if you're not one of them – there's no need to fret! There are plenty of ways to participate in the big event without actually, well, running a marathon! If you're lucky, you won't even have to break a sweat!

Volunteer

Volunteers are needed for a variety of marathon-related tasks -- from helping participants pick up their race numbers and directing people to parking areas to making sure runners stay hydrated at one of the many "fluid stations" along the course. Folks willing to give of their time will have plenty of opportunities leading up to race day as well as during the marathon itself. Spots are filling up fast, though, so if you'd like to participate by lending a helping hand, visit the Pittsburgh Marathon's official website for a list of all open volunteer opportunities.

Cheer on the Runners

Pittsburghers are known as sports lovers, of course, and that includes the enthusiastic cheering on of endurance athletes! With a 26 mile-long course, there will be lots of places from which to show your support. Some fans have even organized their own "Cheerathoner Groups" and are poised to line specific mile markers (Click here for the list). Visit PittsburghMarathon.com for a complete list of cheer groups as well as live bands and other entertainment along the course! Don't forget to bring your signs of support and energy!

Have Breakfast/Witness Success at the Finish Line Festival

Blue Water Tavern, official sponsor of the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Finish Line Festival, is sponsoring two events over race weekend that are sure to attract crowds! An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet will be served on Saturday and Sunday to race participants and to spectators. Blue Water Tavern is also sponsoring the Finish Line Festival, which will be going on from 4:30 am on Sunday through early afternoon, with food and drink, live music, and other entertainment.

Breakfast Details:

Where: The Great Lawn near the finish line (West General Robinson Street)

When: Saturday 5/14 from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. & Sunday 5/15 from 4:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Cost: $8 on race day

More Details

Finish Line Festival:

Where: In front of Heinz Field (West General Robinson Street)

When: Sunday 5/15 from 4:30 a.m. - Early afternoon

More Details

Party at a Neighborhood Festival

From the West End to Homewood and from the South Side to Highland Park, many of the Pittsburgh neighborhoods through which the marathon winds will be hosting their own neighborhood cheer groups. Some will also be sponsoring live music, snacks, sidewalk sales, and restaurant specials.

Where: Throughout the marathon-length running course

When: 6:00 a.m. (walker start) through approximately 1:00 p.m.
(walker finish)

More Details

Meet Local Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts

Take advantage of the enthusiasm of marathon weekend, contact a local running group, and get out there. Running groups exist for runners, walkers, and joggers of all abilities. Running times vary from throughout the weekend, to weekday pre-work runs and after-work runs. Click here to check out the Pittsburgh Marathon web site for a list of local running groups