FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon,, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon and the FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay are completely SOLD OUT. There is no waiting list for these events but there are a limited number of registrations available through our charities.  We thank you for understanding that we will NOT be able to respond to any new registration requests for the sold out events.

IMPORTANT RACE SWITCHING INFORMATION - Switching races will no longer be accepted through the Marathon office. Race switching will be available at the Health and Fitness Expo on race weekend (Friday and Saturday only) for a $25 fee. This will ensure that you will receive an official time, but you will ONLY receive the shirt, bib number and finisher medal for the event that you originally registered.
If you do not switch your race status and run a distance other than your registered event, you will receive a “DNF” (did not finish) as your finishing time.

MARATHON QUESTIONS
What time does the Marathon start?
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon begins at 7:30am.

What time do Marathon walkers start?
Marathon walkers will begin the race at 6:30am. Half marathon walkers will begin the race at 7:30am.

I never registered for my free Personalized Bib. How can I give you the name that I would like on my bib?
If you registered for the Marathon, Half Marathon or Marathon Relay on or before January 14, 2010, you will receive a free personalized bib for race day. If you did not provide that information during registration, click here.
If you registered after January 14, 2010, you may purchase a personalized bib during registration.

How long will I have to walk the Marathon?
Marathon walkers will begin the race at 6:30am. The final street re-opening will be at approximately 1:30pm. If you have not finished the Marathon, you will be directed to the sidewalk areas to complete the race.

I’ve never run a marathon or a half marathon. Do you offer training?
Please visit our website www.pittsburghmarathon.com under Training. There you will find many training options. If you wish to run for a cause, visit our Charity Partners page on our website to find out about their training programs.

HALF MARATHON QUESTIONS
What time does the Half Marathon start?
The UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon starts at 7:30am.

What time do half marathon walkers start?
Half marathon walkers begin at 7:30am.

How long will I have to walk the Half Marathon?
Half Marathon walkers will begin the race at 7:30am. Street re-openings near the end of the Half Marathon course (in the downtown area) will be at approximately 10:30am. If you have not finished the Half Marathon, you will be directed to the sidewalk areas to complete the race.

RELAY QUESTIONS
What time does the relay start?
The FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay begins at 7:30am.

How can I register a relay team?
Becaue the event is currently SOLD OUT, no new teams are being accepted.

How do I register as a Team Member? (note: this is for teams that were created prior to the event sell out).

1. Click here to register as a Relay Team Member
2. Click Register Now again. 
3. Log into your Active Account, create an Active Account or register through Guest Access. (We recommend registering through Guest Access.)
4. To select your category, choose the 4th event - FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay Team.
5. Accept the waiver; enter your name and birthday; click on Agree and Continue.
6. Choose your team name from the drop down box, enter your team password and all of your personal information.
7. Once you click Continue, you will be directed to the payment page. In the Cart Summary, the amount owed will be zeroed out. Click on Submit.

Can I run the first leg of the Marathon Relay and finish the Marathon?
Yes, you can run the first leg of the Marathon Relay and finish the Marathon provided that either event is not sold out. Register for the Marathon and register with your team for the Marathon Relay. You are required to run the first leg of the Marathon Relay.

Can I run the first leg of the Marathon Relay and finish the Half Marathon?
Yes, you can run the first leg of the Marathon Relay and finish the Half Marathon provided that either event is not sold out. Register for the Half Marathon and add your name to your relay team. You are required to run the first leg of the Marathon Relay.

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.

I deferred from the 2009 race, can I transfer my bib to another runner for the 2010 race?
No, deferred registrations are not transferable to another runner. Only the deferred runner may use the deferred registration.

Can I get a refund if I am unable to run the Marathon, Half Marathon, or Marathon Relay? We do not offer refunds.

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.

I did not get an email confirmation when I registered. How can I find out if I am registered?
Click here to verify your registration.

Can I transfer my Marathon or Half Marathon registration to a friend?
Yes, you can transfer your bib for the Marathon or the Half Marathon.  The bib transfer process can only be completed online. No mail-in transfers will be accepted. Bib transfers will not be accepted after April 1, 2010. There is a $20 fee to have your bib transferred and you are responsible for finding the runner to take your place and to provide them with the proper instructions on transferring your bib to them. The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is not responsible for the transferring of money from one runner to another runner. To register to transfer your bib, click here.
You will receive an email within a week with a transfer code, password and instructions. Please forward this information on to the runner who will take your place.

Can I transfer my Marathon Relay registration to a friend?
Yes, you can transfer your relay bib to another runner. There is a $20 processing fee. To transfer your relay bib, send an email to kpavlich@pittsburghmarathon.com and type “Relay Bib Transfer” in the subject line. You will receive a reply email containing a PDF of the registration form – allow 5-7 days for processing. The new runner will complete the registration form and mail it with a $20 check to Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, 310 Grant Street, Suite 1001, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. The new runner’s registration form and the $20 payment must be mailed together in the same envelope. Bib transfers will not be accepted after April 1, 2010. 

My friend transferred their bib to me. How do I register?
Your friend received an email with a transfer code, password and registration instructions. They should forward that email to you. If you know the transfer code and password, click here to enter your registration information. You are now registered in their place.

Can I switch races at the Health & Fitness Expo on race weekend?
Yes, race switching will be available at the Health and Fitness Expo on race weekend for a $25 fee. This will ensure that you will receive an official time, but you will ONLY receive the shirt, bib number and finisher medal for the event that you originally registered.
If you do not switch your race status and run a distance other than your registered event, you will receive a “DNF” (did not finish) as your finishing time. 

Can I transfer my registration to another runner at the Health & Fitness Expo on race weekend?
Yes, you can transfer your bib to another runner at the Health & Fitness Expo. There will be a $25 processing fee in addition to the current registration transfer fee. The new runner will receive the shirt that the original registered runner requested. Fees for transferring a registration are located under “Registration Questions” on the FAQs page.

Do you offer a Military discount?
Yes, those in the military will be offered the early bird rate for each event; Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon - $75; UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon - $60; FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay - $160. Print the registration form and mail with a copy of your military ID or your student military ID and a check made payable to Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, 310 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

Are there age restrictions for registering for a particular race distance?
Yes, runner must be 18 years old on May 2, 2010 to run the Marathon; 16 years old on May 2, 2010 ro run the Half Marathon and 14 years old on May 2, 2010 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
How do I pick up my race packet?
To verify race information and avoid race day problems, runners are highly encouraged to make every effort to pick up their own race packets at the GNC Live Well Pittsburgh Health and Fitness Expo. A photo ID is required to pick up your race packet.

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. Expo hours for packet pick-up are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, April 30, 2010; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 1, 2010.

Can my friend pick up my race packet for me?
Yes, runners who are not able to pick up their packets in person must make arrangements for a representative to pick up their packets. Your representative must present a copy of your photo ID and a signed authorization form from you in order to claim your race packet. One person is limited to picking up a total of two race packets including their own. Download authorization form here.

Can I pick up race packets for my entire relay team?
Yes, however, the person picking up the packets must be a member of the relay team and the procedure for picking up another runner’s packet must be followed. (See FAQ above). Download authorization form here.

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.

Do you offer race day packet pick-up?
There is no race day packet pick-up.

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, April 30, from 11:00am – 7:00pm; Saturday, May 1, from 9:00am-5:00pm; and Sunday, May 2(Race Day) 8:00am-2:00pm.

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, April 30 from 11:00am till 7:00 pm and Saturday, May 1, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. There will be no packet pick-up on Sunday, May 2 or at Dick’s Sporting Goods Stores.

Is the expo close to the start and finish line of the race?
The start line is located on the corner of Smallman Street and 14th Street – approximately 2-3 blocks from the Convention Center. The finish line is located on the 11th Street next to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center where the Health and Fitness Expo is located.

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. The marathon begins and ends near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, located at the end of the Cultural District, and the beginning of the Strip District in Pittsburgh. There are many points at which the crowd can view the participants.

What is the weather like in Pittsburgh in late April/early May?
Temperatures in Pittsburgh the first week of May are generally in the mid 50’s-60’s.

Can you tell me about your water and aid stations?
As in past years, the Water and Aid Stations will be located at approximately every 2 miles 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 partner with the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and listed on the website. What should I do?
Please review our How to become a Charity Partner web page.

CORPORATE/TEAM CHALLENGE QUESTIONS
Do you have a corporate team challenge?
Our team challenge is available to corporations, non-profits organizations, groups of friends – any group of at least 25 runners/walkers. Visit the Pittsburgh Team Challenge page on our website to find out more.

What is the Pittsburgh Team Challenge?
It is a friendly team event designed to get co-workers, friends and family to train and run on May 2, 2010. Pittsburgh Team Challenge team members can register to run the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon or as part of a 5-person relay for the FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay and still be part of the same Pittsburgh Team Challenge team. For more information, check out our Pittsburgh Team Challenge web page.

What is the Mayor’s Cup Award?
The Pittsburgh Team Challenge team with the most participants (based on percentage of employees) will win the Mayor’s Cup Award. Teams registered in the Community Division are not eligible for the Mayor’s Cup Award. For more information, visit our Pittsburgh Team Challenge web page.

What is the difference between the Pittsburgh Team Challenge Teams and the Fed Ex Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay Teams?
The Pittsburgh Team Challenge Teams are a group of people who want to get together for training purposes or on race day. The people on this team can be running any distance – the Half Marathon, the Full Marathon, or as part of a 4-person relay team. As a Pittsburgh Team Challenge Team, they benefit by having a meeting place before and after the race, as well as the camaraderie of their friends. Relay teams are comprised of 2-5 person relay teams – they are only registered in the Fed Ex Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay. They may or may not also be part of the Pittsburgh Team Challenge. For more information, visit our Pittsburgh Team Challenge web page.

Can I belong to two different teams?
You can belong to a Fed Ex Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay Team and a Pittsburgh Team Challenge Team. You cannot be a part of two different Pittsburgh Team Challenge Teams. For more information, visit our Pittsburgh Team Challenge web page.

PASTA PARTY
I signed up for the pasta dinner but I would like to bring 2 other people with me. How do I get more tickets?
Additional tickets to the Past Dinner will be sold at the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1.

Where and when will the Pasta Party be held?
The Pasta Party will be held at the Spaghetti Warehouse which is located at 2601 Smallman St
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

GENERAL QUESTIONS
I am a member of a band and we would like to perform on race day. Who do I contact?
Click here to send an email to express your interest in participating. Please include a contact name, telephone number, and links to your band website if available.

I would like to insert a coupon and a product sample in the participant bags.  Is there a way that I can do this? 
Yes, click here to find out how you can have your coupon or product sample inserted into the participant bags. 

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