PITTSBURGH \u2014 More than 1,500 runners and walkers participated in the kickoff event on Friday for the 2026 DICK\u2019S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events.<\/p>\n
It marked the beginning of a four-month training period leading to the marathon weekend, scheduled for May 1\u20133. Marathon weekend is expected to attract a record-breaking 50,000 participants.<\/p>\n
RELATED COVERAGE >>> Registration opens for 2026 DICK\u2019s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon<\/a><\/p>\n During the kickoff, participants enjoyed training routes including a 5K and 10K, designed with multiple pace options to accommodate all experience levels. The Peoples Pace Team and P3R Pace Team guided runners and walkers.<\/p>\n The kickoff event featured various on-site activations and support from sponsors, including Bare Performance Nutrition, Brooks Running and UPMC Sports Performance. <\/p>\n Additionally, participants could connect with the Run for a Reason Charity Program partners, showcasing opportunities to support local causes while earning a chance at free race registrations. <\/p>\n RELATED COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh races named among Runner\u2019s World\u2019s top spring 2026 races<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe energy we see at events like today\u2019s Training Kickoff is what makes Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend so special,\u201d P3R CEO Troy Schooley said. <\/p>\n Registration for the 2026 DICK\u2019S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend is currently open, with a price increase scheduled for Thursday. Click here<\/a> to register.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n