You’ll tour Pittsburgh across three rivers and bridges, each with their own distinct architecture and incredible city views. You’ll run past PNC Park (home to the Pittsburgh Pirates) and Heinz Field (home to the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers) and through 14 unique neighborhoods featuring festivals, bands, and cheerathoners who will keep you motivated and smiling all the way to the finish line.
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Pittsburgh Marathon
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How does the Pittsburgh Marathon Rank?
The Pittsburgh Marathon was the 23rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 21st largest in 2022.
Last year 6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Pittsburgh Marathon the 303rd highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 277th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 98.15 ranks it as the 309th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 16th fastest course in Pennsylvania.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Pittsburgh Marathon a PR Score of 98.15. This PR Score ranks it as the 250th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 13th fastest in Pennsylvania.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Pittsburgh Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 985 feet (300m) Min Elevation: 724 feet (220m)
-Arrive by 6-6.15am
-There are lots of portaloos near the start areas -Road closure map will be available the week before
Food:
Apteka
Bar Marco
Pusadees Garden
all incredible restaurants, very different cuisines
Rebecca Nugent's review of 2023 Pittsburgh Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was my first half marathon, after running the DC Army 10 Miler back in October. I had had some injury setbacks in late winter/early spring, and I wasn't sure if I would be ready for May 7th, but I kept plugging away, feeling like I sort of made all my training by the skin of my teeth. I was super nervous and had read the reviews of this course being "very hilly." Being originally from the Pittsburgh area, I had seen the hills and were worried they would be many and steep. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the number of hills (and their steepness), was at most, moderate. If you are running on ANY hills at all in your training, you should be ready for this race. The hardest part was the Birmingham Bridge at the end, and then one more up on the Boulevard of the Allies. Also, the crowds were AMAZING. Everyone was so kind and encouraging and people lined the streets cheering the entire way. The stretch leading to the finish line was almost surreal, and the crowd was SO LOUD that I broke out into a sprint. I have a few small critiques, however: PLEASE have more port a potties. I've been to other races (although this is my first half) and I've never seen people have to constantly wait in line (even in mid race) to use them! The 10 Miler in DC probably had at least 3 times the amount of port a potties that Pittsburgh had, and they only had about 15,000 runners this past year. Also, exactly where the corrals were weren't very clear. There were signs pointing in the general directions, but when it came to actual distinction between the corrals at line up, it wasn't easy to figure out. I basically just looked for all the other people that had "D" on their bibs. Other than that, this experience was so awesome, and I will come back again!
This was one of my very favorite marathons I've run and I've done more than 50. The course is well thought out - it goes by nearly every top landmark in the city and a variety of distinct neighborhoods. This is a notoriously hilly city but none of the climbs were particularly steep. Very well organized -- lots of hydrations stations with well-coached volunteers. Great crowd support throughout including lots of live music. Can't say enough good things.
Race Tips
Pace yourself -- the early part is mostly flat until a long climb at mile 12 and several more up until mile 23. If you like spectator attention wear a Steelers shirt/hat with their logo.
This is a wave start so if you are in a slower runner's corral be aware you won't be starting until 20 or 30 minutes after the elites start -- no need to get there too early.
CS's review of 2022 Pittsburgh Marathon.
2 /
5 Stars
Review
Signed up for this as my first marathon knowing it'd be a challenge but was known to be extremely well organized and a ton of fun based on reviews.
The good:
Volunteer were great. Had to stop at a medical station and had very nice and accommodating EMTs/doctors Dedicated hill runners at mile 12 for motivation
The Bad:
Some water stations ran out of water
Water stations were not where they were advertised and there were 2 water stations before mile 2 Medical Tents were advertised to be at every water station, this was not the case Weather was much worse than expected, bouts of thunder and lightning and downpour along with cold winds. The organizers declared this "ideal" conditions.
I spoke with others who have run either the half or full in previous years and said this was not how it had been in the past
Race Tips
First half of the course is mostly flat with the hills starting at mile 12. You immediately go up a 200 foot elevation gain hill over half a mile
I stayed at the industrialist which was 4 blocks from my corral and 2 blocks from the finish line
Anonymous's review of 2018 Pittsburgh Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
This was my 3rd half in PGH. I was totally stoked for the 10 year anniversary. As always the course was great as well as the crowds. I did notice differences this year... it started with the reveal of the medals. They could have been a little more creative, than the big Roman numeral 10, they were great quality. The expo, I always look forward to it... it seemed very lacking. All the vendors at the expo seemed to be less than enthused to be there. Other years the vendors were highly enthusiastic. The long sleeve tech shirt was nice but seemed generic fir a 10 year anniversary. Yes this year we received tumblers and a pint glass for the 5k, which was cool. Swag bags were plastic, unlike the reusable drawstring sacks from previous years. Race day was great as always. Point state park I noticed after the race , there were less vendors and the crowds were much smaller this year. Overall I'll definitely be back next year and would recommend this PGH proud event
Race Tips
Come early for parking, course can be hilly at times but completely doable. Enjoy the crowds!
4.4 Stars from 12 Reviews
