FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGISTRATION/ RACE SWITCHING UPDATE - EVENT SELL OUT INFORMATION
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is currently 95% full and the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon is currently SOLD OUT.
Once an event sells out the only registrations available will be through our Run for A Reason charity program. All charities will have a limited number of spots available in all events. You will need to contact the charities directly in order to register. For a complete listing of our Charities, please visit the Charity Page on our website as we do not keep lists of charity registrations.
A limited number of race switching will be available on race weekend for a fee but there is no guarantee the shirt or medal for the race you are swithcing into will be available. If you choose not to switch races and participate in a race in which you are not officially registered, you will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the results and you will not be eligible for any cash prizes or awards.
What is the date of the 2012 Marathon?
The Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012. The 5K Run and the Kids Marathon will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012.
MARATHON/HALF MARATHON QUESTIONS
I’ve never run a marathon or a half marathon. Do you offer training?
Please visit our website www.pittsburghmarathon.com under Training. Training programs and a listing of training seminars will be available soon.
RELAY QUESTIONS
Does my relay team need to have 5 runners?
No, the relay team can have anywhere from 2-5 runners.
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
I am entered in one of the weekend events but recently incurred an injury and cannot compete. May I defer my participation to the next year?
We do not offer deferments.
Can I switch from the full marathon to the half marathon?
A limited number of race switching will be available from the full marathon to the half marathon on race weekend for a $25 fee but there is no guarantee the shirt or medal for the race you are swithcing into will be available. If you choose not to switch races and participate in a race in which you are not officially registered, you will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) in the results and you will not be eligible for any cash prizes or awards.
Can I switch from the half marathon to the full marathon?
Yes, you can switch from the full marathon to the half marathon and vice versa as long as the event you are switching into is not sold out and you pay the processing fee. When switching from the Half Marathon to the Marathon, the fee is $30 until March 31, 2012 or when the event sells out. If available, fees will increase to $25 and $35 race weekend.
Click here to send us an email. Type “Switch Half Marathon to Marathon” in the subject line and include your name, birth date and per mile pace (if it will change from your original registration.) If the credit card that you originally registered with is still valid, the fee will be applied directly to the card. If the card is no longer valid or if you paid by check, you will need to provide new credit card information or mail a check to Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, 810 River Avenue, Suite 120, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, before the switch will be made.
No, you cannot switch between the marathon relay or 5K and the half or full marathon. You can only switch between the half and full marathons.
Can I get a refund if I am unable to run the Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay or 5K?
We do not offer refunds.
Can I transfer my registration to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your marathon, half marathon or marathon relay team member registration to another person. Please follow the steps below:
1. The original participant clicks on the registration transfer link, clicks the green Register Now button and chooses the first option; Bib Transfer - Register to have someone take your place.
2. The original participant will fill out their information and pay the $20 processing fee.
3. Within one week the original participant will receive an email containing a transfer code, transfer code password and registration link.
4. The original participant will forward this email to the person taking their place and the new participant will register themselves via the link in the email. The new participant will not be charged a registration fee at this time.
It is between the original participant and the new participant to work out the transfer of funds.
I bought a registration, how do I complete the transfer?
You will receive an email from the person whose registration you purchased. The email will contain a registration link, transfer code and transfer code password. You will click on the link in the email and follow the steps provide. You will not be charged a registration fee at this time.It is between the new participant and the original participant to work out the transfer of funds.
When is the last date to sign-up to transfer my registration or register using a transferred registration?
The original participant will have until midnight on 3/15/12 to sign-up to transfer their registration.
The new participant will have until midnight on 3/30/12 to register themselves for an event and complete the transfer.
I will not be able to attend the Pasta Party. Can I get a refund?
We do not offer refunds.
My child will not be able to run the Kids Marathon. Can I get a refund?
We do not offer refunds.
Are there age restrictions for registering for a particular race distance?
Yes, runner must be 18 years old on May 6, 2012 to run the Marathon; 16 years old on May 6, 2012 to run the Half Marathon and 14 years old on May 6, 2012 to run the Marathon Relay.
Who determines the age minimums for each race?
Age requirements are based on regulations by IMMDA– International Marathon Medical Directors Association. For further information and background, see: IMMDA Advisory Statement on Children and Marathoning.
I do not meet the age requirement but I believe I am qualified to participate. Can I participate?
Each case is reviewed individually by the race medical director. Click here to send us an email. Type “Age Waiver” in the subject line and include your name, address, email, age on race day, race distance in which you would like to participate and the reasons why you believe that you are qualified to participate. The information will be provided to the race medical director. You will be notified via email if you have been approved and the steps necessary to participate.
PACKET PICK UP QUESTIONS
Where is packet pick up located?
Packet pick up is located at the Health and Fitness Expo in Halls D and E at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center - 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd in downtown Pittsburgh on Friday, May 4, 2012 and Saturday, May 5, 2012.
How do I pick up my packet?
All participants will be mailed a brochure 1-2 weeks prior to the race weekend that includes a confirmation ticket. Participants will bring the confirmation ticket to the GNC Live Well Pittsburgh Health and Fitness Expo to receive their race number, race bag and race shirt.
Do you offer late packet pick-up?
Click here to email our office. Type “Late Packet Pick-Up” in the email subject line and include in the email your contact information and the event in which you are registered. Late packet pick-up will take place at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown Hotel from 7pm – 9pm on Saturday, May 5, 2012. Please note that Late Packet Pick-up is by request only and if you request to have your packet at Late Packet Pick-up it will not be available for pick-up at the Expo.
There is no race day packet pick-up.
Can someone pick my Race Packet up for me?
Yes, someone can pick up your Race Packet for you. You will need to provide them with your Race Number Confirmation Ticket, which will be mailed to you 1-2 weeks before Race Weekend. One person will be able to pick up a total of five (5) Race Packets, including their own.
HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPO QUESTIONS
What are the dates and hours of the Health and Fitness Expo?
The GNC Live Well Pittsburgh Health and Fitness Expo will be held Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5.
Where will the Health and Fitness Expo be held?
The Expo will take place at the David Lawrence Convention Center which is located in downtown Pittsburgh, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh.
Where and when can I pick up my runner packet?
Packet pickup will be held at the GNC Live Well Pittsburgh Health and Fitness Expo during all regular Expo hours on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5. There will be no packet pick-up on Sunday, May 6 or at Dick’s Sporting Goods Stores.
COURSE QUESTIONS
Is your course hilly?
Our course is fairly level for the first 12 miles. At that point it climbs 200 feet, over the next 2 miles, before it levels off. The last 4 .5 miles of the course area is a net downgrade.
What is the course like?
The course is closed to automobile traffic. It is a scenic tour of the bridges and neighborhoods of the city of Pittsburgh. Many of the neighborhoods hold festivals on race day. The crowd support is excellent, and music by the mile will add to the festivities. There are many points at which the crowd can view the participants.
Can you tell me about your water and aid stations?
There will be 19 Water and Aid Stations along the marathon route. The aid stations are staffed by the UPMC Sports Medicine medical personnel and trainers. Medical aid stations will also be available at the start and finish lines.
Is the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon a “Boston Qualifier”?
Yes, it is a sanctioned, certified course.
May I use a baby jogger, MP3 player or I-Pod, roller blades, scooter, headphones or ear buds?
Baby joggers, roller blades and scooters are prohibited. MP3 players, IPODs, headphones or ear buds are strongly discouraged.
CHARITY PROGRAM QUESTIONS
I would like to be a charity participant with the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and listed on the website. What should I do?
Our Run for a Reason Charity Program Presented by Guardian Storage Solutions is full. If you would like to be placed on a wait list for 2013, please email your contact information to Mara Spisso at mspisso@pittsburghmarathon.com.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
I would like to insert a product sample in the participant bags or have a coupon in your participant virtual goodie bag. Is there a way that I can do this?
Please click here for more information.
Sponsors
