Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon.

Community runs and walks are a great way to get outside, meet your Pittsburgh neighbors and support a good cause. Luckily, our city is full of trails, hills and parks to explore. Here’s a list of all the best outdoor runs and walks to get you moving this spring and summer.

DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon: May 3-5

Gear up for a whole weekend of fun at the 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5, 2019. There is a race for every member of the family — full marathon, half-marathon, five-person relay, 5K, kids one-mile, toddler trot and even a pet walk for you and your furry friend. To put even more purpose in your pace, choose to Run for A Reason and pick from one of 37 official charities to benefit.

Photo courtesy of Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community.

Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community: May 11

Benefiting 79 different local health and human service organizations, the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community is back in Pittsburgh this year, getting the community moving for an important  cause. The 5K will begin at Stage AE on Saturday, May 11, and welcomes all walkers (including dogs). Last year, the event raised nearly $500k for local organizations. Sign up to walk for your favorite charity this year, and make a difference every step of the way.

Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure: May 12

Put on your pink and celebrate Mother’s Day by taking part in this year’s Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. Whether you choose to run the competitive race or walk the 5K, everyone will be raising awareness and honoring those whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.

4th Annual Run Amok: May 19

For the fourth year in a row, Run Amok is taking on the streets of the South Side to benefit The Open Door, Inc. and support our Pittsburgh neighbors living with HIV. The 4th Annual Run Amok will begin at the SpringHill Suites at SouthSide Works on Sunday, May 19, and will travel along the Southside Riverfront trail. Afterward, attendees are inivted to continue to the fun and grab a drink at Hofbräuhaus (first one is free).

Walk for Children’s. Photo courtesy of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Walk for Children’s. Photo courtesy of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Walk for Children’s: June 1

The Fourth Annual Walk for Children’s on Saturday, June 1 is a family friendly, 2.3-mile walk (with a half-mile loop available for those who prefer a shorter route), focused on giving back to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. After the walk, there’s a Patient Champion Ceremony and Parade, along with lots of activities, live music, food trucks and more for the entire family.

Riverview Park 5K Run & Fitness Walk: June 7

Kick off your weekend with a healthy evening hike at the Riverview Park 5K & Fitness Walk on Friday, June 7,  at 7 p.m. The Riverview Park 5K, part of the City of Pittsburgh Community Footraces Series, takes attendees through a paved trail along the forested hills of Riverview Park on the North Side. While the 5K is full of hills, the scenery is worth the hike, and you’ll be able to enjoy the sunset by the time you hit the finish line.

Graphic courtesy of Jon Brentzel.

Stride for Pride 5K: June 23

Head over to the Great Lawn at North Shore Riverfront Park on Sunday, June 23, for the Stride for Pride 5K, which benefits the Human Rights Campaign, America’s largest civil rights organization. Whether you want to run or just take it easy, go the distance with pride for LGBTQ equality.

Yuengling Gold Rush 5K: June 30

Check out the inaugural Yuengling Gold Rush 5K on Sunday, June 30, for a day of fun on the North Shore. The race will start and finish at Stage AE. Afterward, the party will continue, featuring the Yuengling Golden Pilsner beer garden, music and entertainment. The race’s official charity is Team Red White & Blue, an organization focused on enriching the lives of American veterans by connecting them to the community through physical and social activity.

Photo courtesy of Yinzer 5K and Lil’ Yinzer Fun Run.
Photo courtesy of Yinzer 5K and Lil’ Yinzer Fun Run.

Yinzer 5K and Lil’ Yinzer Fun Run: July 14

Break out your best black and gold for the Yinzer 5K and Lil’ Yinzer Fun Run on Sunday, July 14, on the North Shore. The whole family is welcome to break a sweat and Terrible Towels are encouraged! Proceeds from this event will benefit the Light of Life Rescue Mission, helping to provide food, shelter and hope to those in need.

Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race: September 29

Wrap up the summer with the City of Pittsburgh Great Race on Sunday, September 29. The race offers 10K and 5K routes that travel along Forbes Ave., Fifth Ave. and Boulevard of the Allies before finishing at Point State Park. Established in 1977, this race donates $1 from every registration to the Richard S. Caliguiri Amyloidosis Fund, which is held by The Pittsburgh Foundation and dedicated to supporting medical research.

Can’t make it to any of these races or just want to keep the momentum moving? Here are some other runs and walks worth checking out:

Take Flight Pub Run Series

Pittsburgh Superhero Run 2019

Insane Inflatable 5K

Pittsburgh Melanoma 5K

37th Annual Greenfield Glide

Big Run 5K

6th Annual Swissvale Mile

Brookline Breeze 5K Run and Fitness Walk

Heitz of Heaven 5K Run/Walk

Francesca Dabecco

Francesca Dabecco is a Pittsburgh-based writer who strives to tell stories in the most interesting, innovative and inspiring formats.