I will start off by saying that for months I read so many reviews on this race calling It the "friendliest marathon" and I will admit that I didn't really understand why, or just figured it was just another title. But I was blown away by the support at this race. There were a few spots on the course where there weren't many or any spectators, but honestly.. they were very few and far between. I was impressed with how many houses had their own tables set up with drinks and/or goodies. And that's on top of the ones the actual event sets up!
The course itself was great. I'm from the Pittsburgh area, so I am used to hilly courses. So this one was a very pleasant change. There were a few hills, but NOTHING compared to what we have here. The downhill finish was a little rough on the legs, but it sure let's you fly to the finish.
The expo was very tight and cramped, but I didn't wait in any lines for very long. The merchandise is not super expensive, and its also available for purchase after the race too. My only complaint about that was that they were sold out of ladies small and medium finishers jackets..they took my name and address and said they would mail them, but it would have been nice to have that day.
The medal is gorgeous, i am jealous of the marathoners medal since it has the gem in it! I loved getting the blanket. Especially to have to wrap up in after the race!
I stayed downtown at the Graduate so I didn't have any issues with driving or parking. But I know I saw people having trouble getting around and out of the city. So I am glad I decided to stay in the city instead of 15 minutes out like I originally planned. It can be pricey to stay close, but being around the start and finish and not have to use a car during that day more than makes up for it!
I earned a half marathon PR on this course. Like I said, i was blown away by the support. And seeing the beautiful houses on the course was a plus.
I would 110% recommend this race to anyone. I plan on doing it again in 2018, and eventually would love to do the marathon here!

This was my very first 10 Miler, and my longest distance I ever ran up to this point. The course was reverse of the marathon from the year before (from what I was told) and was a great preview for the Pittsburgh marathon for 2018.
The cool weather was perfect.
The expo was good.
Parking was as you would expect for Pittsburgh. I was able to park right by the start and use the hotels bathrooms but I had to get a ride back to my car after with some friends.
Medal was huge and the half zip was nice.
Will definitely be doing this one again!

I love the course and distance for this race. It's longer than a 5k but without the commitment of a 10k. The course is great, downtown Pittsburgh, hills and bridges. There isn't much in terms of post race foods.. just the normal smiley cookies and bananas. But in past years the arena opened up for practice which was a good way to wind down after, and being a huge pens fan makes this even better. This year (2016) there was no practice, but the Stanley Cup was there!
High fives with Mario makes this worth it too! 👌

I ran this for the first time in 2016. I opted to do the 5k instead of any of the longer distances and I am glad that I did because this race didn't start until 9am and by that time it was already very hot and very humid. I never feel like I should complain about parking because I am here to run a race, I should be able to park and walk, but the parking was a good distance away and there was no straight walk to the start. Packet pick-up the morning of wasn't very well done and there were only 2 port-a-johns so there were very long lines for those.
The start line was not very organized and the announcer was not loud so the only way that you could hear who was starting was if you were right up next to them. The course was longer than the 5k/10k/and half routes so for personal timing that throws everyone off.
There were not very many water stations with how hot it was outside.
I would have to say the best part about this race was the medal, glass and free beer after.
From what I heard they are not offering this race this 2017 year as they are trying to revamp it, so hopefully when they do come back it will be much better!