The 2002 Pittsburgh Marathon was my first marathon ever. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to train with the Leukemia Lymphoma Foundation through the winter in Pittsburgh, otherwise I'm not sure I would have made all those miles.

I still remember how incredible it was to run through this city for the first time. I lived outside of the city at the time, but it was so cool to get to run through areas I'd not been to and experience the diversity that city has to offer.

The course has changed since then, but there's nothing like the iconic moments of crossing those bridges and tackling some of those hills, running around the stadium areas, and seeing some of it's iconic neighborhoods. It's certainly worth the miles!

FUN FACT: The course will be FILLED with black and gold. Whether you're from the city or not, it's certainly a WIN to don the colors and feel part of the vibes in that city.