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1. This race is LEGIT.
   Runner feedback consistently tells us that Pittsburgh’s is one of — if not the — best marathons in the country. One of our 2019 participants even said “Pittsburgh puts other cities’ marathons to shame.”
2. We’re in person in 2022.
   In both 2020 and 2021, Pittsburgh’s iconic marathon weekend shifted to a virtual event due to COVID-19. In 2022, though, we’re BACK to the streets. Trust us, you do NOT want to miss out on this return — you’ll regret it.
3. Forty. Thousand. Runners.
   With 40,000 runners taking to the streets right alongside you, you’ll never be alone on your 26.2-mile journey. 
4. Three. Hundred. Thousand. Spectators.
   Seriously — we’re not exaggerating. Pittsburghers love to cheer on their runners, and you’ll have the support of more than 300,000 spectators lining the course PLUS your fellow 40,000 runners cheering you on from the start to the finish line.
   
5. Runkeeper lists Pittsburgh as one of the top 15 running cities in the world!
6. Pittsburghers welcome everyone!
   Out-of-towners say “I felt so welcomed by Pittsburgh!”
7. The first weekend in May is literally the perfect time of year for a marathon.
   Everyone makes their resolution to get healthy on January 1 every year. And guess what? That’s just about the perfect amount of time it will take you to train for the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. It’s a built-in path to success!
8. There’s a 97% chance that you’ll come back to do it again in Pittsburgh.
   97% of our 2019 runners said they’re coming back.
9. Are you a first-time marathon runner? Is running a marathon on your bucket list?
   You get to say “I ran the Pittsburgh Marathon” for the rest of your life. 
10. The best bling.
    Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but a medal from the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is a runner’s best friend. Our medals are the best and most creative, and our runners love showing them off.
    
    
11. The chance to earn even MORE bling.
    If you run the UPMC Health Plan / UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K Run on Saturday and then the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, you’ll earn yourself THREE medals for your efforts since you completed the STEEL Challenge!
12. Runner’s World says that Pittsburgh is one of the five most underrated running cities in the U.S.
13. They also say we’re one of the top 50 in the U.S.
14. You will inspire someone.
    We say it all the time: every runner has a story. And your story is going to inspire someone somewhere to get moving. FTR, Pittsburghers have the best stories.
15. The swag.
    DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon runners get a premium gift as part of their event swag. In the past, it’s been exclusively branded running sunglasses and other amazing gear — stay tuned to learn what it will be in 2022!
16. Improve your aerobic and anaerobic capacity by running the hills of Pittsburgh.
    “The city of Pittsburgh may eat us alive with its giant hills, but we always return!” - 2019 participant
17. Pittsburgh food.
    Yeah, you get to reward yourself with a well-earned treat no matter where you run 26.2 miles, but Pittsburgh’s food scene is the best. Apartment Guide even ranked Pittsburgh as one of the top three cities in the nation for foodies.
18. Whether you’re running the marathon for the first time or the tenth, you’ll have an awesome time.
    Just read what these two participants had to say after their finish in 2019:
    “I have run 167 marathons around the world, and I can honestly say that Pittsburgh has been one of my favorites. The organization and support behind the race is top-notch.”
    
    “2019 was my first marathon, and it was a wonderful experience. The event was well organized from the beginning to the end!”
19. BestLife lists us as one of the top 50 running cities in the U.S. 
20. 13.5 Million Dollars
    Since 2009, runners participating in the Run for a Reason charity program have raised more than $13.5 million for official charities. Fun fact: more than 90% of those funds stay right in Pittsburgh.
21. You get to run through 14 of Pittsburgh’s unique neighborhoods.
    And they’re epic. From block parties to bands, entertainment to cheerathoners, you’ll get to see what makes each neighborhood different and special.
22. Love sports?
    Get a new look at Heinz Field and PNC Park - you’ll run past both on our course!
    
23. RaceRaves lists us as one of the top racing cities in the U.S.
    “‘Yinz gotta run Steel City!’ proclaims one of the many enthusiastic reviews for the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. And clearly this mindset extends beyond Western Pennsylvania, as runners extol the Burgh’s ‘outstanding challenging courses’ that run ‘through all of the different areas of the city’ and enjoy ‘fantastic community support.’ Marathon and half marathon runners cross the city’s famed three rivers (Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio), while runners who prefer shorter distances will appreciate the spirited crowds at the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race. During your visit, make time to ride the nation’s oldest funicular up to Mount Washington for spectacular views of downtown Pittsburgh; on the other hand, your weary legs may prefer you avoid Canton Avenue aka the steepest street in the U.S.”
24. Fear of regret.
    You’ll regret not running a marathon, but, after you cross the finish line, you’ll never regret actually doing it.
25. 26.2 miles of Pittsburgh.
    Face it, when you’re driving 26.2 miles, you don’t really get a feel for where you are. When you’re running through it, though, you’ll understand why Pittsburghers love this city.
26. The cookie at the end.
    Pittsburghers love their Smiley cookies from Eat’n Park, and everyone gets one at the finish line!
    

26.2 The best part.
Those last 385 yards will be your favorite, hands down. With the roar of the crowd at its most deafening, you’ll cross the finish line with the biggest smile you’ve ever had. And you won’t be the first to shed a tear at your accomplishment. Go on and let it out.

Photo by Chancelor Humphrey

Convinced? Registration is open for the 2022 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events. Claim your spot at the start line NOW.