FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Registration for the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon and the FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay will open on August 2, 2010.
Why did the Marathon date change from the first Sunday in May for 2011?
The National Rifle Association of America's annual conference is being held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center April 28 - May 1, 2011. The event was booked in 2007, two years before the marathon returned from its five-year hiatus. Roughly 61,000 attendees are expected to attend the convention, the usual weekend for the Marathon. There is no availability in the convention center, and there is no hotel availability from the airport through downtown to Monroeville.
Will the Marathon move back to the first Sunday in May for 2012?
Yes
MARATHON QUESTIONS
What time does the Marathon start?
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon begins at 6:30am.
What time do Marathon walkers start?
Marathon and Half Marathon walkers will begin the race at 5:30am.
How long will I have to walk the Marathon?
Marathon walkers will begin the race at 5:30am. The final street re-opening will be at approximately 12:30pm. 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. Training programs and a listing of training seminars will be available soon.
HALF MARATHON QUESTIONS
What time does the Half Marathon start?
The UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon starts at 6:30am.
What time do half marathon walkers start?
Half marathon walkers begin at 5:30am.
How long will I have to walk the Half Marathon?
Half Marathon walkers will begin the race at 5:30am. Street re-openings near the end of the Half Marathon course (in the downtown area) will be at approximately 9:30am. 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 6:30am.
Does my relay team need to have 5 runners?
No, the relay team can have anywhere from 2-5 runners.
Is runner tracking available for Marathon Relay runners?
No, runner tracking is not available for relay teams.
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 transfer my registration to another person?
Yes, you can transfer your marathon, half marathon or marathon relay team member registration to another person. 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. They will fill out their information and pay the $20 processing fee. Within one week the original participant will receive an email with a registration link, transfer code and transfer code password. They will forward this email to the person taking their place and the new participant will register 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.
When does registration transfer close?
The original participant will have until Midnight on 4/30/11 to sign-up to transfer their registration and the new participant will have until Midnight on 4/30/11 to register themselves for an event. If you miss the cut-off date, it is still possible to transfer your registration on race weekend at the GNC Live Well Pittsburgh Health and Fitness Expo. Please note that the transfer fee increases to $25 Race Weekend.
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.
Are there age restrictions for registering for a particular race distance?
Yes, runner must be 18 years old on May 15, 2011 to run the Marathon; 16 years old on May 15, 2011 ro run the Half Marathon and 14 years old on May 15, 2011 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 8 p.m., Friday, May 13, 2011; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2011.
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, May 13, from 11:00am – 8:00pm; and Saturday, May 14, from 9:00am - 8:00pm
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, May 13 from 11:00am until 8:00pm and Saturday, May 14, from 9:00am to 8:00pm. There will be no packet pick-up on Sunday, May 15 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?
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 participant 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.
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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