The DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon continues its upward momentum, with more than 52,000 participants expected across 11 events this weekend, creating an unforgettable experience for runners and fans alike.
Troy Schooley, CEO of P3R, the organization powering the marathon, highlighted the joy of seeing people from all backgrounds and skill levels unite in the city’s energetic atmosphere. “It is definitely an exciting time to be a Pittsburgher with the biggest Pittsburgh Marathon ever this weekend,” Schooley said.
Sunday’s full marathon and half marathon take center stage, while Saturday’s Family Day offers fun for everyone with the 5K, mile run, Kids Marathon, and Toddler Trot.
2025 Pittsburgh Marathon provides ‘really rewarding’ experience | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Kenya’s Everlyn Kemboi returns as the defending women’s half-marathon champion after her strong 2025 win. She will face tough competition from Ethiopia’s Buze Diriba Kejela, who brings the field’s fastest personal best. Three-time U.S. national champion Stephanie Bruce is also back, aiming for her third Pittsburgh half-marathon victory. “It’s the first weekend in May. Where else would I be?” Bruce said.
On the men’s side, Dominic Ondoro defends his half-marathon title after a personal-best performance last year. Morocco’s Mohammed El Youssfi arrives with an impressive recent time and hopes to challenge the course record in his Pittsburgh debut.
Additional standouts include Amanuel Mesel, a two-time Olympian, along with American Aidan Reed and 2024 full-marathon winner Andrew Bowman. Pittsburgh native Will Loevner returns as a top contender in the full marathon, joined by 2016 Olympian Jared Ward and last year’s runners-up Milton Rotich and Ian Carter.
Jane Bareikis, a Kenya native now competing for the U.S., seeks her third straight women’s full-marathon title while chasing a new personal best.
The full and half marathons feature a combined $102,000 prize purse, with strong incentives for top finishers. “It is a really exciting field for both races, as usual,” Schooley noted. “The crowd support is fantastic, and the weather looks ideal for some fast times.”
Elite athletes will meet the media Friday morning at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, helping launch the weekend and the Pittsburgh Live Well Expo.
A record 4,770 runners will join the Run for a Reason Charity Program, supporting 64 charities and aiming to raise $1.5 million, with most funds staying in the Pittsburgh area. “To see that grow is so important to us,” Schooley added.
The Pittsburgh Kids Marathon will also break records with over 11,000 young participants from 360 Kids of STEEL programs. “That is always one of the most exciting parts of race weekend,” Schooley said. Many former kids’ program graduates are now tackling the half and full distances.
Road closures will be in effect from Friday afternoon through Sunday in downtown Pittsburgh. Full details are available at thepittsburghmarathon.com.
Sunday afternoon brings more energy to the North Shore with the Pirates facing the Reds at PNC Park and Pitt’s commencement at Acrisure Stadium.
Events kicked off last weekend tied to the NFL Draft, where nearly 3,000 participants enjoyed the PicksBURGH Draft Day 5K. “It added to showcasing the city and how big the Pittsburgh Marathon has become,” Schooley said.
Marathon Hall of Fame to Welcome Four New Inductees
P3R and the Pittsburgh Marathon Hall of Fame Committee will honor four outstanding individuals for their contributions to running and the community. Lisa Bonaccorsi Lucas, Dan Cunkleman, Robert Pikelis, and Ed Stack will be inducted Saturday at 4 p.m. during a public ceremony at the Live Well Expo entrance.