PITTSBURGH (September 28, 2019) – More than 850 kids — the most ever — and their families enjoyed fun and fitness at the 24th running of the Dollar Bank Junior Great Race in Point State Park. Children 12 and younger ran through a one-mile course in the streets of downtown Pittsburgh in the One-Mile Family Fun Run, toddlers raced a 50-yard stretch in the Tot Trot and the tiniest participants made their racing debut in the Diaper Dash.
Saturday’s festivities began at 9:30 a.m. with face painters, crafts and a keepsake photo opportunity courtesy of Dollar Bank. Mascots, including the Eat’n Park Smiley Cookie, McGruff the Crime Dog, Freddy the Flame and more, made an appearance to motivate participants before the races began at 11 a.m. After crossing the finish line, each child received a finisher’s medal, goodie bag, hot dog courtesy of Café at the Point, and Smiley Cookie courtesy of Eat'n Park.
“This year’s Junior Great Race was a memorable day for so many families,” according to Kristen Miles, vice president of marketing at Dollar Bank. “There were families that had children participating in multiple of the age group events today! It was fun to cheer them on and see them enjoy the pre- and post-race activities.”
With back-to-back races on Sept. 28 and 29, the Great Race has become “one great weekend” for the entire family. More than 1,300 kids ages 17 and under have registered for the weekend of events.
“Today’s race was a great way to kick off Great Race weekend,” said Race Director Brian Katze. “With today’s Dollar Bank Junior Great Race and the 5K and 10K on Sunday, we’ll see many of these families return tomorrow to complete the weekend together.”
Today’s Dollar Bank Junior Great Race is the first in the Kids of STEEL Challenge. After completing today’s event, participants can go on to complete the first ever Kids of STEEL Virtual Run in January and the Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon in May to earn their Kids of STEEL Challenge medal.
For more information, visit www.RunGreatRace.com/Junior_Great_Race. Images from the 24th annual Dollar Bank Junior Great Race are available upon request.
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About the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race
Each year on the last Sunday of September, the starting gun sounds for a world-class road race that has become a true Pittsburgh tradition for the past 40 years. The Great Race – established as a 10K race by the late Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri – has attracted nearly a half million participants since 1977. Over the years, this popular fall fitness classic has grown to include a 5K run/walk, running clinic, two-day expo and children’s race. For more information about the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race, visit www.RunGreatRace.com
About P3R
P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to run with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org
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