Crisp fall days are the perfect time for a workout that also makes the world a better place. Road races around Pittsburgh raise money for wide a range of charities and organizations, and they’re happening every weekend in October.
Maybe you’ve already got plans to run this weekend’s annual Great Race. The organizers estimate that 250,000 people have participated in The Great Race since the first running in 1977, making the event the largest 10K race in Pennsylvania.
Feeling inspired? Here are six more runs (and walks, if that’s more your speed) happening around the region in the coming weeks.
Run Shadyside, Oct. 6, Shadyside
Coming right up, Run Shadyside is a 5K community race that awards medals to the top finishers in each five-year age group, making it the perfect activity for competitive families in the East End. Proceeds benefit the Shadyside Boys & Girls Club. Stick around for the pancake breakfast.
Braddock 5K, Oct. 13, Braddock
Starting at the Braddock Civic Plaza, this runnable and walkable 5K race is focused on promoting and even providing public health. After the race, organizers will host a day of community fun and outreach activities.
Pittsburgh Undy Run/Walk, Oct. 13, South Side
For a race that pushes underwear as the dress code, this event is surprisingly wholesome. Runners can take part in either the 5K race or the one-mile fun run starting at 9 a.m. The course starts on the South Side at the Three Rivers Heritage Trail on S. 28th Street. All proceeds go toward the research and advocacy group The Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6K Run and Family Walk, Oct. 14, PPG Paints Arena
Head down to PPG Paints Arena on Oct. 14 to help our Penguins start a new season and shake off the shame of not winning three Stanley Cups in a row. The 6.6K course is meant to serve as a tribute to Penguins’ owner and hockey legend Mario Lemieux, and all proceeds will be split between the Mario Lemieux Foundation and Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
Spirit Run, Oct. 20, South Shore Riverfront Park
This 5K costumed race or one-mile fun walk will tour the banks of the Monangahela on October 20. Ladies and ghouls will start at the river trail entrance on the South Side at S. 26th Street. Proceeds benefit The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, a charity devoted to both outreach and full-time care for adults with disabilities.
Hell on Hills, Oct. 27, Beechview
If your idea of a fun run involves pushing the limits of human endurance, Hell on Hills in Beechview is the race for you. Billing itself as “the world’s steepest 5K,” the course includes a sprint up the famously sheer Canton Avenue, which is indeed often cited as the steepest street in America.
