Frequently Asked Questions | 2024 Great Race - Pittsburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

Important information for all registered race participants

WHEN IS THE 2024 GREAT RACE?
The Great Race will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024. The 5K Run & Fitness Walk will begin at the corner of Fifth Ave. and Atwood St. in Oakland, and the 10K Run will begin at the corner of Beechwood Blvd. and S. Dallas Ave. in Frick Park (Squirrel Hill).

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR THE GREAT RACE?
Registration is open! SIGN UP HERE.

HOW DO I GET MY PACKET?
Packet Pickup will be available at Point State park on the following days:
Friday, September 27 - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 28 - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR ONE GREAT CHALLENGE?
In 2020, we introduced One GREAT Challenge, and more than 600 runners completed both the 5K and 10K events as part of their virtual One GREAT September. At the in-person event, One GREAT Challenge poses an even greater undertaking for participants: you’ll run the 5K (which you’ll need to do within 40 minutes of the start of the race), jump on a bus to the 10K start line, and then run the 10K. To sign up, please complete a registration for both the 5K and 10K.

I CAN NO LONGER ATTEND. CAN I GET A REFUND?

The Great Race does not offer refunds or deferrals but you may transfer your registration to another runner. 

WHAT DOES THE COURSE LOOK LIKE?
2024 Course Map

HOW DO I REQUEST A SEEDED POSITION FOR THE 10K?
Seeded positions are only available for the 10K. In the registration process, you will be asked to enter a link to a qualifying result from one of your past races. Results must be for a 5K or longer race, from the 2023 calendar year and 6:45 minute mile or faster for men or 7:42 minute mile or faster for women. 

DOES THE RACE COURSE FEATURE A LOT OF HILLS?
The Great Race course does contain hills, but it is predominately downhill. Miles 1 and 5 contain the most uphill sections, while miles 2, 3, 4, and 6 contain light rolling hills and downhill stretches. 

ARE THERE SHUTTLES TO THE START LINES?

Yes. Shuttles can be boarded at Gateway Plaza at the intersection of Penn Ave. and Stanwix St. on race morning beginning at 6:00 AM going to 5K start only. Starting at 7:45 AM, shuttles will begin for the 10K. At 9:15 AM, the last shuttle to 10K start line will depart. Please plan to arrive early as trips may take longer due to construction detours.

If you parked near either start line, shuttles will also be available to take you back to the start line areas after your race. The final return shuttle will depart Gateway Plaza at noon.

CAN I BRING MY CHILDREN IN THEIR STROLLER?
Baby joggers, bicycles, skateboards, scooters, strollers, roller skates and roller blades are NOT permitted on the course.

DOES THE COURSE HAVE A TIME LIMIT?

Due to public safety reasons, we ask that all participants maintain a 15 minute-per-mile pace. If you cannot adhere to the permitted pace per mile, there is a possibility that you will be asked to board a sweep vehicle that will take you to the shuttle drop off area. 

IS THERE AN AGE MINIMUM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE?
The minimum age to participate in the 10K is 12 years old. There is no minimum age for the 5K.

WHAT IS THE HIGHMARK BRIGHT BLUE FUTURES PROGRAM?
The new “Highmark Bright Blue Futures Youth Racers” program encourages children to take part in the 2024 City of Pittsburgh Community Footrace Series by offering free registration to The Great Race 5K in September. Each youth 6 to 17 years old who completes one 5K footrace in the City of Pittsburgh Community Footrace Series this summer receives free registration to the September 29 Great Race 5K courtesy of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. These four footraces include: Greenfield Glide (June 2), Brookline Breeze (August 10), Historic Hill 5K (August 17), Run Around the Square (August 24). To learn more about the City of Pittsburgh Community Footrace Series and register for a race, visit www.pittsburghpa.gov/events/footraces

IS THERE A RAFFLE AND AWARDS CEREMONY? 
Yes! The Great Race concludes Sept. 29 festivities by honoring winners and awarding raffle prizes to runners/walkers!

This year The Great Race awards ceremony will take place in Point State Park at the showmobile after each race:

9 a.m. – 5K awards

11 a.m. – 10K awards

Following each awards ceremony, all registered race participants will be eligible for the post-race raffles – just drop your bib tag into the raffle box and get ready to win great prizes including gift baskets, Eat’n Park gift cards and more!  All winners must be present at raffles to claim prizes.


DO YOU HAVE ANY ALLERGEN AND NUTRITION INFORMATION AVAILABLE?

At P3R, we are committed to providing delicious and nutritious food options for all participants. We understand the importance of catering to various dietary needs and ensuring transparency about the ingredients used in the food we offer. Below is important information regarding allergens and nutrition for the food items being served:

Allergens:

  • Our food items may contain allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, wheat, eggs, and fish.
  • We take precautions to avoid cross-contamination, but please be aware that our food is prepared in a facility that handles allergens.

Nutrition:

  • We strive to offer balanced options that cater to different dietary preferences.
  • Nutrition information, including calorie count, macronutrient breakdown, and ingredient list, is available upon request.
  • If you have specific dietary concerns or require further information about any of our offerings, please don't hesitate to ask our staff.
DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY?

Yes, active and retired U.S. military personnel are eligible for discounted rates. Please email us at info@p3r.org for more details. Please note that dependents are not eligible to receive this discount - it is for active and retired U.S. military personnel only.