Record Number Take Part In 2011 Great Race
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Thousands pounded the pavement on the streets of Pittsburgh Sunday morning in the 34th annual Richard Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race.
According to race officials, a record of 14,500 people took part in this year's event.
A sea of humanity gathered near the entrance to Frick Park in Squirrel Hill this morning. Thousands of runners poised to compete in the 10K portion of the 34th annual Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race.
"Thirty-four years ago, Mayor Caliguiri brought a little less than a thousand people here for the first Great Race, and they ran to Point State Park just as our runners are doing today," said Mike Radley, the director of the Great Race.
"The Great Race has grown to be one that is enjoyable and a family-filled day," said Jake Wheatley, a race participant.
Some who ran in last year's race were looking to beat their time.
"I hope to do better this year… to shave three or four minutes off my time," said Alex Perry, another race participant.
More than 9,000 runners headed through Squirrel Hill and Oakland into downtown Pittsburgh. Another 5,000 runners who competed in the 5K race also finished at Point State Park.
View photos from The Great Race!
Curtis Larimer, of Pittsburgh, came in first in the 10K race with a time of 30:48. Lisa Burnett, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, won the women's 10K with a time of 35:15
"I'm actually running in the Columbus Marathon to try to qualify for the Olympic trials," she said.
Doug and Jen Hoerster ran in their third Great Race today.
"It's great to run through the neighborhoods, there's so much energy it's a lot of fun," Jen said.
More photos from The Great Race!
"I need a drink of water before I fall over, but I did beat my time," Perry said when she finished the race.
The Great Race was named in memory of the late Mayor Richard Caliguiri. Over the years, more than $100,000 in proceeds has been donated to support research for amyloidosis. It's the rare disease that claimed Mayor Caligiuri's life.
RELATED LINKS:
Great Race's Website
Runners Take To Streets For Great Race
