Blog

Training for a marathon is a serious endeavor. However, if you’re not ready to run 26.2 miles, or even a half marathon, or if you prefer running shorter distances and just want to have some fun with your friends, family, or coworkers, a marathon relay is a great option.

Running a marathon relay, especially if you’re a first-time race runner, is an excellent way to get in on the marathon action, even virtually, and enjoy the camaraderie and support of your running teammates.

Here are five reasons -- one for each race leg -- to get a team together for the virtual FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay:

Choose your own race route.

Being able to run a virtual marathon relay means relay team members can run their legs wherever and whenever they want. Find a new trail, run through each others’ neighborhoods . . . you decide your race route. Or you vote on it as a team -- that’s what teamwork is about, right?

The laces that bind us.

Whether your team is made up of your best friends, family members, or office mates, running a marathon relay together will be fun, memorable, and a bonding experience like no other. It will definitely be better than watching TV together or sitting on another Zoom call.

Check off a bucket list item.

Have you always wanted to run a marathon but have never found the right time or opportunity to do it? Well, now’s your chance to cross that item off your bucket list. Get your team together, get outside and conquer the marathon as one! You’ll run your leg, but you’ll also know that you achieved your goal of running a marathon with a team effort. It still counts!

It won’t take months and months to train.

Since you’ll be committing to a shorter distance ranging from 3.8 to 13.1 miles as part of your relay team for the FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay, your training won’t be as long and will be much less intense than training for a full marathon. You’ll collectively share a goal, but you can individualize your training and race legs to your team’s capabilities.

Spice up your fitness routine.

If you’re a non-runner or occasional runner, deciding to be part of a marathon relay team is a good way to stay active and add variety to your normal fitness routines. You’ll have a new goal, add structure to your workouts, and challenge each other, all while reaping the physical and mental health benefits that running provides.