Return of the Pittsburgh Marathon

The first Pittsburgh Marathon was held in the city in 1985. The marathon was started under the leadership of the late Mayor Dick Caliguiri. 2003 saw what was thought could be the last running of the Pittsburgh Marathon. The marathon was disbanded for six years after the loss of a sponsor and due to Pittsburgh's financial situation

On Sunday, May 3, 2009, the Pittsburgh Marathon will make its return to the city with its 20th running, now to be known as the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.

The Pittsburgh Marathon was once known as one of the top five marathons in the United States. Having earned its place in history as the site of the Olympic Trials for Finland and Denmark in the 1980's, the National Wheelchair Championship in 1986, the 1988 Olympic trials for women, and the site of the 2000 Olympic trials for men, the city is glad to welcome back the historical marathon. The Pittsburgh Marathon was also the host for the United States men's national championships on three separate occasions.

The marathon distance is now 26.2 miles, and has grown since it was first held in 1985. In the past the Pittsburgh Marathon has seen runners from all 50 states and as many as 20 different countries including Canada, Italy, and Kenya.

The Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon will have a tentative total prize package of $9,500, with first place overall taking home an amazing $4,000. The prize package is still subject to change, and grow, as more sponsors are added to the event. The start and finish of the marathon tentatively will be at David L. Lawrence Convention Center, with the starting line located on Fort Duquesne Boulevard.

The marathon will also sport a Marathon Relay, sponsored by FedEx, with four different legs. The Philips Respironics Half Marathon will award over $4,000 in prize money to the top five finishers. The National City Kids Marathon will be held May 2. As the time to the Pittsburgh Marathon draws closer they will post the Calendar of Events, complete with time and location, on their website found here.

The price of registration is as follows:

Marathon - Runners, Walkers, and Wheelers

$75 through January 10, 2009

$85 from January 11 through March 14

$95 from March 15 through April 30

$100 May 1-2 at Packet Pick-Up/Late Registration

Marathon Relay - 4-person relay

$150 through January 10, 2009

$175 from January 11 through March 14

$200 from March 15 through April 30

$220 May 1-2 at Packet Pick-Up/Late Registration

Half Marathon - Runners and Walkers

$60 until January 10, 2009

$65 from January 11 through March 14

$75 from March 15 through April 30

$85 May 1-2 at Packet Pick-Up/Late Registration

Kids Marathon

$15 until April 30

$20 April 30 through May 2

For more information on the 20th Running of the Pittsburgh Marathon, now to be known as the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, please click here to be taken to the marathon web site.

sources:

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi- bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&ST ORY=/www/story/05-19-2008/0004816557&EDATE=

http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa. us/mayor/html/city_press_relea ses.html

http://www.pittsburghmarathon. com/Home_6774.htm

http://www.active.com/page/Eve nt_Details.htm?event_id=1611218&assetId=925e6d1e-60da-48 25-aabc-fff9c9d8829e

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pittsburgh_Marathon

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_527132.html