Runners Make Final Preps As Marathon Weekend Kicks Off
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- On the eve of this year's Pittsburgh Marathon, tens of thousands of runners are making final preparations for the big, 26.2-mile race.
And, like in past years, the runners have two things in common: dedication and motivation.
Click here for more photos from Saturday morning's 5K Race!
Registration for the marathon and half marathon has been sold out for months.
On Saturday, thousands of race entrants mingled about the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, which hosted a Health and Fitness Expo.
For runners like Krista Allison, of New Wilmington, this will be her first Pittsburgh Marathon.
"My goal is to cross the finish line," said Allison. "I'm not really sure what to expect."
Eric Fleming, of Philadelphia, was also at the expo. He said he went to school in Pittsburgh, adding, "I like the atmosphere. It's good to be back."
Selena Crawford, of Monroeville, said she was super excited to be running in the 13-mile Half Marathon.
Several hundred police will be keeping an eye on the things during the race, which is expected to attract 150,000 to 200,000 spectators, who are expected to line the streets and cheer the runners on as they make their way through 13 city neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, marathon weekend kicked off Saturday morning with a little help from Pirates' centerfielder Andrew McCutchen.
About 4,500 kids, along with their parents, took part in the One-Mile Kids Fun Run on the North Shore.
Many of the kids say they've been training for the race all year.
"Every day before lunch, we run at least, I think, a mile," said Maura O'Neill, a fun run participant.
Another participant, Sam Pallis, says this is his second year in the race and he's been training for the big day.
"I did it last year, so I like to run," he said.
Race organizers say the fun run is a good way to get the whole family active.
"What we're seeing with the kids is they start running, and then their parents start running, and then the whole family starts running," said Patrice Matamoros, the executive director of the Pittsburgh Marathon, "so, it's really a great sport that the family can do together."
In addition to the Kids Fun Run, there was also a 5K race and a pet walk.
For more information on the Pittsburgh Marathon:
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