13(.1) Reasons To Run Home To Pgh

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is calling all runners home this year for our 2014 weekend of events. Here are our thoughts on the top reasons every runner should return home for the biggest reunion in the ‘Burgh.

1. WHERE ELSE CAN YOU RUN “THE CITY OF BRIDGES”?

With 446 bridges, Pittsburgh is home to the most bridges in the world. Don’t worry though, you only have to cross five on the course.

2. BE THE NEWEST PLAYER IN THE CITY OF CHAMPIONS

Pittsburgh was first known as the "City of Champions" when the Pirates, Panthers and Steelers won multiple championships in the 1970s. More recently, the name was revived with the Steelers' sixth Super Bowl win and the Penguins making back-to-back finals appearances, earning an Atlantic Division Crown and winning the Stanley Cup championship.

3. ROCK OUT WITH MUSIC BY THE MILE

The Marathon course features over 60 bands – that's almost 3 bands per mile!

4. BURN ENOUGH CALORIES TO EAT FRIES ON SANDWICHES, SALADS, ECT.

We LOVE French fries…on Primanti’s sandwiches and on Pittsburgh salads.

5. GET THE WHOLE FAMILY INVOLVED

There’s an event for everyone…the kids, adults and even pets.

6. BE THANKFUL YOU TAKE THE INCLINE TO MT. WASHINGTON, NOT RUN IT

Take in the view from the 800-foot long, 400-foot tall, Duquesne Incline.

7. BE A SUPERHERO FOR A DAY

Batman, Superman, it doesn’t matter…we love them all! Not to mention, Pittsburgh was the backdrop to the Batman: The Dark Knight Rises movie.

8. VISIT MR. ROGERS NEIGHBORHOOD

Along with 12 other neighborhoods throughout the City of Pittsburgh.

9. EARN AN EAT ‘N PARK SMILEY COOKIE

Via blog.eatnpark.com

We run, so we can eat cookies.

10. IF YOU CAN’T FINISH, THERE’S ALWAYS THE MARIOTHON

Cross the finish line at Mario’s in the South Side and earn a t-shirt, drink and trophy (because everyone’s a winner).

11. TELL EVERYONE TO “GET TO THE POINT”

Don’t worry about sounding rude race weekend – everyone racing needs to make it to the Point to reach the finish line. The Finish Line Festival at Point State Park is where runners celebrate their new title "Runner of Steel.”

12. THE MOST IMPORTANT RACE IS THE PIEROGI RACE

The Great Pittsburgh Pierogi Race at the Pirates game, that is.

13. HOW ELSE CAN YOU EARN THE TITLE “RUNNER OF STEEL”?

14. YINZ CAN DO IT IN PITTSBURGH

Register now at PittsburghMarathon.com