Frequently Asked Questions

When you register early, you not only secure your spot at a lower cost, but you also help us better plan and allocate resources to create an event that exceeds your expectations. Your commitment provides us with the data needed to allocate resources efficiently, ensuring well-stocked hydration stations, top-notch medical support, and a vibrant race atmosphere.

We are unable to provide refunds for registration fees. You do have the option to purchase event insurance from a third party during the registration process, which can safeguard your fees in certain situations. If your plans change and you find yourself unable to participate on race weekend after registering, you do have the option to transfer your registration to another participant. 

Purchased a Protection Policy? File your claim here. 

Please note that there is a transfer fee plus any applicable change in registration fees.

We are unable to offer the option to defer registrations to the following year. In the event that you find yourself unable to participate on race weekend after completing your registration, we do provide the alternative of transferring your registration to another participant.

Purchased a Protection Policy? File your claim here. 

Please note that there is a transfer fee plus any applicable change in registration fees.

If you would like to transfer your registration, log into your Race Roster account. Once you are logged in, you will see a box labeled Transfer on both the right and left sides of the screen. Please click on the box and then select Transfer to New Participant and complete the steps as directed. 

Please note that there is a transfer fee plus any applicable change in registration fees.

If you would like to switch your registration to a new event, log into your Race Roster account. Once you are logged in, you will see a box labeled Transfer on both the right or left sides of the screen. Please click on the box and then select Transfer to New Sub Event and complete the steps as directed.

Please note that there is a transfer fee plus any applicable change in registration fees.

Yes, there will be a pace team for the marathon and half marathon distances.

We anticipate offering the following Marathon pace groups; 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:15, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:05, 4:10, 4:15, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30 Run/Walk and 7:00 Run/Walk.

In the Half Marathon we anticipate offering the following pace groups; 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00 Run/Walk, Walking Division. 

In the BACK Half Marathon we anticipate offering the following pace groups; 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:30, 3:00 Run/ Walk. 

There are several garages where you can park on race weekend. We recommend that you use the ParkPGH app to help you plan your parking based on real-time information.

• On Saturday, May 2, 2026: Road closures are expected to begin by 6:30 a.m. We recommend that you arrive by then for the 5K to avoid being rerouted as you approach the course. As we get closer to race weekend, we will provide more specific times for road closures, as well as route information to navigate in and out of the city. 
• On Sunday, May 3, 2026: We recommend that you plan to arrive by 5:30 a.m. to avoid major road closures. As we get closer to race weekend, we will provide more specific times for road closures, as well as route information to navigate in and out of the city.
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While there is full coverage throughout the course (depending on your carrier), it’s possible that with so many people using their phones at the same time (especially at the start and finish lines), coverage is sometimes difficult to rely on. We recommend that runners and their families have a backup plan to connect if cell phone reception is unavailable.

If you are unable to pick up your packet in person at the Health & Fitness Expo, you have two options:

1. Authorize a friend or family member to pick up your packet for you at the Health & Fitness Expo (they will need to show their own photo ID and a completed packet pickup slip - the completed slip will have the participant's name and bib number, along with the name and phone number of the person picking up.)
2. Purchase Will Call when you register in RaceRoster. Will Call will allow you to pick up your race items on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. This is the only option to pick up your race gear outside of posted expo hours. Please note that Will Call is only available for Sunday events.

They’re collected and donated!

Due to safety concerns, wheeled items such as baby strollers and baby joggers, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, roller blades, stc. are not permitted on the course. Participants who need mobility assistance (for example, adaptive strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) can contact us at info@p3r.org for more information regarding accommodations.  

Sure, as long as it’s safe to run in and you follow all rules and instructions from race officials! As a reminder: backpacks, duffel bags, bags, hard or soft coolers, or purses are not permitted in the start and finish line areas or along the course, and you must clearly display your bib to access your start line corral and remain on the course.

While they are technically permitted, we strongly discourage you from using headphones, as they may make it more difficult for you to hear race officials in case of an emergency. Additionally, you’ll miss hearing the crowds of spectators cheering you on and the bands entertaining you throughout the course!

Head over to our friends at VisitPITTSBURGH for everything you need to know about visiting our beautiful city!

Step 1: Run the UPMC Health Plan | UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K on Saturday.

Step 2: On Sunday, run one of three events

• DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
• UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon
• FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay 

Complete the STEEL Challenge and earn your specialty medal! Visit the STEEL Challenge tent at the Finish Line Festival in Point State Park to retrieve your medal.

Runners who participate in certain 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend events, any 2026 America's Mile heat, and any 2026 EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler event will complete the P3R STEEL CITY Series and earn an extra medal to celebrate their accomplishment!

Yes, you can register virtually for any Marathon Weekend event here. Items for all virtual participants will be mailed 2-4 weeks after Marathon Weekend.

If you are registered for virtual and want to switch to in-person, please email us at info@p3r.org.  Anyone who registered for in-person and would like to participate virtually can switch via Race Roster.

File your claim here. 

Yes, a lactation or mothers' room will be available on both Saturday and Sunday of the Pittsburgh Marathon events to provide a private and comfortable space for nursing or pumping. For more details about the location and accessibility of the room, please reach out to the P3R team at info@p3r.org.

We’re here to support your needs and ensure a positive experience during race weekend!

If you notice a non-emergency issue, such as a pothole, a hazardous sidewalk, or a downed wire, please call 3-1-1 to report it to city services.  

3-1-1 service requests are directed within 24 hours to the city agency that works to solve your issues.  City agencies respond to requests as quickly as possible.  

Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies, such as reporting a crime, fire, or medical emergency or if the situation poses an immediate threat to someone's safety or life.

At P3R, we are committed to providing delicious and nutritious food options for all participants. We understand the importance of catering to various dietary needs and ensuring transparency about the ingredients used in the food we offer. Below is important information regarding allergens and nutrition for the food items being served:

Allergens:

• Our food items may contain allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, eggs, and fish.
• We take precautions to avoid cross-contamination, but please be aware that our food is prepared in a facility that handles allergens.

Nutrition:

• We strive to offer balanced options that cater to different dietary preferences.
• Nutrition information, including calorie count, macronutrient breakdown, and ingredient list, is available upon request.
• If you have specific dietary concerns or require further information about any of our offerings, please don't hesitate to ask our staff.
  
  
• Smiley Cookie Nutrition Information
• Albanese 12 Flavor Gummi Bears

For suspected crimes or non-urgent safety concerns, contact 3-1-1.

Spectators who purchase the VIP Spectator Experience will receive:

• Exclusive access to the indoor pre-race lounge and post-race party
• Catered race day breakfast and lunch
• VIP Access to the finish line area
• Access to indoor restroom facilities
• Exclusive 2026 merchandise
• Early entrance to the Pittsburgh Health & Fitness Expo

Download the P3R app for runner tracking. 

We encourage runners and their families and friends to make a plan for where to meet after the race (as noted above, cell phone reception in the finish line area can be spotty due to so many people using the network in the same place). There will be a family reunion area in the Finish Line Festival at Point State Park.

The Red Cross is located on Liberty Ave in Gateway Center and they will be able to look up a runner's bib to let you know if they are being treated in our medical tent.

When you arrive at the Pittsburgh Health & Fitness Expo, you will first pick up your race bib and event shirt. You need to know your bib number to retrieve it (we will send you a link the week leading up to race weekend, and there will be opportunities to look up your bib number before you enter the expo). You will also need to present your photo ID. Please note that Kids Marathon, Toddler Trot, and Pet Walk bibs will be organized by last name, not number.

If you are registered for a Sunday event (marathon, half marathon, or marathon relay) and can’t make it to the Health & Fitness Expo while it’s open, you can purchase the Will Call option to pick up your race gear on Saturday night after the Expo closes or Sunday morning before the race beginning. Will Call is the only packet pickup option outside of regular Expo hours. Please note that if you purchase Will Call, your race items will not be available for pickup during regular expo hours. Will Call is only available for Sunday events. For more questions, please contact info@p3r.org.

If you’d like to Run for a Reason, you can select your charity of choice when you register! You will pay the upfront registration fee, and if you raise the minimum amount (based on your selected event), you will be eligible to receive a refund of your registration fee. Please note that in order to receive a refund, a charity runner’s funds raised must be dedicated to only one official charity. For more information, please visit our Run for a Reason charity page!

Of course! Each charity runner will receive their own fundraising page through Race Roster to collect donations. We also have a fundraising guide available to help you with several ideas to kick start your efforts and creativity so you can be successful!

If you raise the minimum amount of funds based on your event, you will be eligible to receive a refund of your registration fee. Additionally, charities have different perks for their charity runners. Charity runners can also join the $1,000 club if they raise at least $1,000 and receive a special thank you gift!

The BACK Half Marathon offers a unique and impactful race experience, benefiting the Run for a Reason Charity Program. Open to all in 2025, participants can choose between registering as standard runners, supporting the program through their entry fee, or as charity runners who fundraise for a charity of their choice. Limited to 1000 runners, the event promises an exclusive starting line experience in Shadyside, with downtown finish line festivities. To learn more, click here.

When the 2026 results are available, we will post them here.

Email us at info@p3r.org.

Please email jim.popovich@p3r.org.

Please email jake.sommers@p3r.org.

Please email jake.sommers@p3r.org.