Great Race Brings Thousands Of Runners To Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- World-class runners have descended on Pittsburgh this weekend for the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race.

It's a weekend thousands of people have been looking forward to and preparing for.

Sunday's 10K race begins at 9:30 a.m. in Frick Park at Beechwood Boulevard. The mostly downhill course travels along Forbes and Fifth Avenues before finishing at Point State Park.

Every year he sound of the starter's pistol triggers the beginning of the Great Race.

Before the race begins though, runners are heading over to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for the Great Race Expo. The expo features everything you want to know about running from A to Z.

"What to eat, how to prepare the day before and what to do for recovery," says Michele Aul, of CitiParks.

About 45 vendors are offering a wide range of goods and services, and there are a number of products designed to help the runners get through the course.

But before you can race, you have to register.

More than 10,000 are registered for the 10K race, and another 5,000 will compete in the 5K race and walk. Proceed from the race will go towards the battle against amyloidosis.

Officials say this is a good event for new runners.

"It's really good for people running a 10K for the first time because the course is downhill, so it's a nice easy way to start into those longer distances," said CitiParks' Beth Bliss. "So, a lot of people use it as like a transition race to get into marathons and stuff like that."

For more information on the Great Race, visit their website here: http://www.rungreatrace.com/

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter