Pittsburgh Marathon

Signed up last minute due to Providence getting cancelled. Course support and aid stations are top notch. Race shirt and medal are awesome. Don't count on a PR here - The first half isn't too tough, with one moderate hill and a few bridge crossings. There's a monster of a hill at the halfway point followed by rollers throughout the 2nd half of the race. But hey, it's Pittsburgh, so hills should be expected. Finish line festivities were awesome with tons of food. One big complaint: The course measured significantly long. My Garmin clocked me at exactly 26.5 miles and everyone else I spoke with had about the same.

There was support for us slower runners and race officials were at the finish line congratulating us and handing out medals. Very participant friendly and I will definitely return.

This was my first marathon. If this is your first time doing a marathon, well, prepare accordingly because it is packed with hills until around mile 22-22. The last 3-4 miles are downhill and flat, although by that point, you are drained. The crowd is great. They did not slack in drink and goo stations. The volunteers really did an excellent job at every station. Funny signs from the spectators kept me laughing along the way. All around, great organization and well done.