No support for the Relay runners. Had to provide own transportation between hand-off zones. Very difficult for those who are not familiar with the Pittsburgh area. Race directors were not helpful, volunteers were great. Crowd was very supportive, ending in stadium was a nice touch. Also, Expo and packet pick-up ended too early (7pm Saturday) for those coming in from out of town. No packets for those on race day-just bib. There was an Expo???

I ran Pittsburgh yesterday (my only other marathon was Marine Corps). We were blessed with good weather. The spectating crowds were not quite as large as at Marine Corps, but the crowds and the race overall had more of a warm, hometown feeling. I agree with one of the other comments that the elevation map on the marathon website is deceivingly flat -- the many rolling hills wore me down. Still, I trained for a PR and got it and enjoyed what was a well-organized, well-supported marathon. I would recommend it to anybody, first-timer or experienced.

I have run Chicago, NY, Marine Corp, and Detroit, and Pittsburgh stands up to any one of them! The course was challenging but not overwhelming, it was a GREAT way to see the city (my first time here), and the support from the crowd was wonderful! I would recommend this race for both novice and experienced runners as it is the best of both worlds. Runners, volunteers, and spectators were the nicest! Finally, the on-course entertainment was a real pick-me-up! Thanks Pittsburgh!!!
PS And I broke my PR also!

I have completed the marathon twice and will be toeing the line for 4th time in 2002. This has all the great qualites of an urban city marathon without the overwhelming quantity of runners you find in NY, Boston, Chicago, or LA. The fans are very supportive and the course takes you throughout the entire city.

The course is pretty challenging with a pretty tough hill between 11 and 12 miles and rolling hills from 12 - 23. Still I think it is a must run. Great organization.

The course is very tough for a beginner and the weather can be brutal.

Challenging course but fun to run because of all the fan support...each community section brings out their best to welcome the runners and to win the coveted neighborhood support award. Fantastic course support and the finish line support was exceptional. This marathon really allows you to tour each integral neighborhood of Pittsburgh!!!

I wanted to see the Olympic trials and check PA off my marathon list. Varied course with small hills, great finish line in the park. Plenty of drink on the route, good beer at end. Fans were there for you. Volunteers were exceptional. The people of Pittsburgh were extremely warm and gave the race a cozy feel. I have recommended the race to many. Nice job.

It was my first marathon after a five year hiatus and it was an excellent one to reinvigorate my desire to run. Pittsburgh has done a wonderful job of remaining a vibrant and attractive city unlike many other mid-atlantic rustbelt cities. The run was tough--rolling hills with a few steep ones--but could have been much worse. Great crowd support, race support, and a varied course make for a delightful and challenging run. I highly recommend it. Area Attractions: Go catch a baseball game at the new PNC park--a throwback with all the charm and beauty of old Forbes Field. It was a great way to spend the afternoon after the race. Overall Rating...an 8 out of 10.

Hills, hills and more hills. Run past new Heinz field, I wish I saw the Igloo more though. Lots of crowd support! the 'burgh' rocked!

For the past 2 yrs. my friend and I have run the Pittsburgh marathon, and we loved it! The organization of it is great, the spectators & volunteers are incredibly supportive, and the bands/music throughout keeps you motivated. I highly recommend it- the energy there is intense!