greetings to all from Spiney Norman...I just wanted to let all know that the Pittsburgh Marathon will be returning in 2008 bigger and better than ever..I can"t discuss a lot at this time,but I promise that letsrun will be the first to here the official announcement...I am involved with this event and promise this will be a first class event...I will post any news stories in the next couple of weeks as they come available....I hope all of you will give support..Thanks, Spiney
Spring or Fall?
New course?
Great to hear! It's about time Pittsburgh got back on the marathon map.
After the effort the city made to keep the Penguins here I hope they're willing to lend their support to something participative like the marathon.
I hope it's a fall race, as I think you've got a better chance with weather than in the spring, plus NY, Chicago, Marine Corps et al fill up so fast, an alternative would be nice.
It's about time for the 'burgh race to come back.
Though I would like a fall marathon I don't think there are any spring marathons in PA, other than the late spring's tiny God's Country Marathon in June. Plus, there may be a new marathon in the Lehigh Valley in the fall.
God's Country - June
Erie - September
Steamtown - October
Johnstown - October
Lehigh Valley - October, might not happen
Harrisburg - November
Philadelphia - November
Spring competition would include Cleveland, Buffalo, and Cinci, and Boston for those who qualify.
Fall competition would include the races TMI mentions as well as Columbus.
Unless they put in the first week of August, I'll be happy with whatever they pick. Gosh it's been humid here lately.
The downfall of my short marathon career directly correlated with Pittsburgh losing its marathon, as a poor guy who can't afford to travel much. I'm very glad to hear it's coming back.
Expecting it to be in early May, coinciding with other 250th anniversary activities...
I hope they have it in the spring like previous years.
tons of details on the marathon here:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_521085.html
looks like they are trying for a May 4th date.
Pittsburgh was my first marathon and I enjoyed it very much. Make sure you keep a few hills in there.
Boy, I wonder if they can also revive the "Great Race" as well.
Rippy cripple wrote:
Make sure you keep a few hills in there.
Ha! I don't think they have much choice.
[quote]nittanyboiler wrote:
God's Country - June
Erie - September
Steamtown - October
Johnstown - October
Lehigh Valley - October, might not happen
Harrisburg - November
Philadelphia - November
You forgot about the Pocono Marathon in May.
I didn't know about Pocono.
I see it has a big elevation drop and some fast times. Must be an attractive Boston qualifier.
Glad to see Spiney Norman is still involved in running.
For those who don't know he ran a 2:11 and was ranked #1 in the U.S. in the mid 80's.
He knows tons of people and will be a big plus in getting the marathon back in Pittsburgh.