The Run Around The Square is a neighborhood favorite in Pittsburgh. It happens every August in one of Pittsburgh’s most classic neighborhoods/parks: Regent Square and Frick Park. This is a part road race/part trail run. It’s my go to event at the end of every summer, to kick off the start of my fall racing spree. The weather is usually in the 70’s with mild humidity. I always run in a sports bra because it’s August and it is Pittsburgh…end of the story. But seriously, this race is a blast! It’s small but gets a lot of support from locals. The cost ranges from $25 to $40 and the virtual goodie bag is sweet with lots of local deals.

You pick up your bib and shirt race morning. The shirts always have the classic Run Around the Square logo on them but they come out with different colors every year. People like to collect them. Before the race, local Physical Therapy Company (Pivot Physical Therapy) provides stretching and massages. They do a great job! The race starts mid-morning and you run down a cobblestone street with picturesque houses and tree-lined sidewalks. It quickly transitions onto the well packed and well-marked dirt trails of Frick Park. You will encounter some hills here before you leave the trail and embark on the longest hill of the course, up a sidewalk. After that, you will run through the trails for one more mile before you come downhill into a wide hollow sort of opening. There is a great opening of grass and the finish line is just around the corner. The finish at this race is one of my favorites in Pittsburgh because it is downhill and very exciting. The crowd is awesome here!

After the race, this hollow area becomes the after-party. This race seriously knows how to provide food…and beer. Yum! A stage is set up for awards and most people end up spending a few hours in the part with their families. It really makes you appreciate the strong community of Pittsburgh! I ran this race in 2015 and 2016 (every year that I have been in Pittsburgh so far). Last year, I finished with a time of 19:20 and was pleased as it was a minute faster than last time and closer to the level I was competing at in college.

There is no expo, no crazy vendors, no crowds…just a bunch of people who love their neighborhood and want to support it. It’s a fun race with plenty of parking, fun views, and very family friendly!

xoxo, A