City of Pittsburgh
October 25
Start time: 8 a.m.
The temps may have already dipped below freezing—that hail on Sunday was a nice touch, Mother Nature—but come Sunday, the milder weather should provide the perfect backdrop for the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. If marathons elude you and 5Ks leave you craving more, then this 10-mile trek is worth checking out.
Some 4,000 runners from from 27 different states—including world-class competitors and Olympic hopefuls—are expected to participate in the third annual event on Sunday, October 25th. The region’s premier fall road race, the EQT 10 Miler was launched in 2013 by Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc.
This year’s 10 Miler is even more exciting, because the local race is debuting as one of just six races on the 2015-16 PRRO Circuit, an international series of prestigious non-marathon road racing events. Top runners will vie for a $26,200 prize purse, including $4,000 for each race champion, as well as bonuses for Americans totaling $5,200.
Also, runners and spectators should expect to see much more than running shoes and Nike gear along the race route. For the first time, the 10 Miler is teaming up with Etna-based ScareHouse—dubbed a top U.S. haunted house by Travel Channel and Buzzfeed—to present the “Spooky Kooky Costume Contest.” Taking place just seven days before Halloween, the race is calling all witches, ghosts and ghouls to vie for awards in five different costume categories. Costumes will be reviewed by judges and the top three winners in each category will receive a prize. Participants must register at the costume contest booth prior to race start time.
Want to have a go of it, but feel like you need a partner? Also new this year for the 10 Miler are the race’s relay and team options. Runners can run as part of a two-person relay or as a member of a three-to-five-person team.
Taking participants on a scenic tour of the Burgh via the city’s historic and authentic neighborhoods, the course traverses through the West End, North Side and Strip District and into the heart of downtown for the exhilarating finish line.
The race kicks off at 8 a.m. near Station Square between the Monongahela River and the Duquesne Incline. The first runner is expected to finish on Liberty Ave. in downtown Pittsburgh between 8:45 and 8:50 a.m.
Hosted by the Harp & Fiddle, the 10 Miler course party will set up shop at 24th Street and Penn Avenue in the Strip, with live music by The Sidewinders, party favors and free coffee and pastries. Once runners cross the finish line, they will receive snacks and can head to the post-race party to celebrate with music, foam rolling by True Runner, sponsor tents, a gear store and the award ceremony.
Online registration is now closed, but runners can still register during packet pickup hours.
