Marathon Relay 101

Here's everything you need to know to have an amazing experience at the 2025 FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay!

Before Race Week:

Friday, May 2 + Saturday, May 3:

Getting Your Race Gear: You can pick up your race bib and participant shirt at the Pittsburgh Live Well Expo presented by GNC on Friday, May 2 or Saturday, May 3 (click here for times!). You will need to know your bib number (lookup will be available race week).
Relay Baton: Each team will receive a team timing device which will be inside a relay baton that the active runner will need to carry with them throughout their relay leg. Once a relay member has crossed the timing mat and finished their leg of the race, they should pass the baton to the next runner who will then carry it for their leg.
Relay Race Bibs: In addition to the team baton, each individual FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay participant will receive their own Marathon Relay bib number that must be worn on the front of the runner’s shirt, as well as a Marathon Relay designation that must be worn on the runner’s back. Please note, each bib is designated with a number 1-5 after the team number. These numbers are assigned at random and do not represent which leg of the race you are running, that is up to the Team Captain to decide. You do not need to notify us of who is running which leg.

Sunday, May 4:

Schedule:
- 5:30 AM - Start line corrals open
- 6:50 AM - Handcycle division begins
- 7:00 AM - Elite athletes begin, Corrals A-E start and continue through 7:40 AM
Parking: Where you park is really up to you! For Sunday's events, some participants park on the North Shore or in Station Square and walk to the downtown area — we recommend you use the ParkPGH app for real-time capacity for Pittsburgh's garages. Be sure to review the road closure information so you can avoid any unnecessary delays. Be sure to check the Relay Handbook to see where your relay leg begins and how you can get there!
Getting to Exchange Zones: It is recommended that most FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay participants walk to their exchange zone from the downtown area.
Shuttle buses will be available on race day starting at 6 AM for legs four and five ONLY (exchange zones three and four). Leg four and five participants can load buses on Centre Ave in front of the DoubleTree Hotel, Downtown (701 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219).
Gear Check: Marathon Relay participants can use the FedEx Gear Check at the Gateway T. Station. There will be NO gear check at exchange zones!
- You must use a race-issued clear Gear Check bag — which you can pick up at the Pittsburgh Live Well Expo presented by GNC next to Participant Services — as well as your Gear Check tag (which is a tear tag at the bottom of your race bib).
  - Luggage bags, oversized or overnight items, loose articles, or bags that are not race-issued will not be accepted at Gear Check.
- Do not check valuable items such as medication, jewelry, cell phones, cameras, electronic devices, etc. The event is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items.
- You must show your bib number when dropping off and picking up your gear.
- Participants will NOT be permitted to bring or carry bags into the start line area.
At the Start Line: Relay team members who are running the first leg of the Relay will line up at the start line with Marathon and Half Marathon participants; the start line is located in Downtown Pittsburgh on Liberty Avenue near 10th Street.
- All Relay runners completing the first leg will start in Corral C.
- Corral C Access Point: Liberty Avenue and Market Street OR Penn Avenue and 6th Street
- Only participants will receive access to their assigned start corral; family and friends will not be allowed to accompany participants into the start line area.
The Finish Line: Don't leave without getting your well-deserved finisher's medal! Then head to Point State Park for the Finish Line Festival powered by Cleveland Brothers.