This weekend, more than 30,000 people are expected to participate in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. For those planning on running, watching or trying to move about the city, here’s what you need to know:
Start Your Engines: The marathon kicks off at 7 a.m. Sunday, moving through the North Shore, Shadyside, Oakland, South Side, Bloomfield and more before ending downtown. You can find a map of the route at the marathon's website.
Watching The Race: Spectators can root for their loved ones along the route (check out an interactive map here). If you’re looking for a specific spot to cheer, WHIRL Magazine has compiled a nice list of official spectator points and the bands that will play at each throughout the day. The marathon has also worked with some local businesses to create some special deals for spectators. Family and friends can also keep up with their runners’ progress through runner tracking.
Navigating The Roads: Road closures begin downtown at around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday with Stanwix Street starting at Boulevard of the Allies and Liberty Avenue from 9th St. down to Stanwix. Watch out for two red zones that will be completely closed to traffic: one downtown bordered by Smithfield Street, Liberty Avenue and Boulevard of the Allies, and one on the North Shore between Anderson Street/Cedar Avenue and Sandusky Street/East Commons up until Ohio Street. If you are going to be in either of those areas, consider parking your car elsewhere or you will not be able to leave until 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Other road closures will begin at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, with roads opening and closing throughout the day as the race progresses. Here's a map of road closures, and here's a chart. Public transportation will also be running.
Where To Park: The Pittsburgh Marathon offers this handy parking map for race weekend.
Weather: Sunday should see partly cloudy skies with a high of 62 degrees and a low of around 40, according to The Weather Channel. There is about a 20 percent chance of rain.
Security Measures: Security is similar to last year. There will be perimeters surrounding the starting and finish lines where only participants will be allowed. Spectators are encouraged not to bring large backpacks and duffel bags to the finish line area, and bags will be subject to inspection. Do not leave any unattended bags, backpacks or packages anywhere along the race course, including the start and finish lines and Point State Park.
