Frequently Asked Questions | 2026 Great Race - Pittsburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

Important information for all registered race participants

WHEN IS THE 2026 GREAT RACE?
The Great Race will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026. 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. CLICK HERE.

HOW DO I GET MY BIB?

Bib pick up will be on the following days:

  • Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 and Saturday, September 26, 2026

  • Time: 11:00am - 5:00pm

  • Location: Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown (600 Commonwealth Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15222) 

All bibs and shirts not picked up by 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, will be available the next morning (September 27) at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown (Benedum Room) from 6:00am-8:45 a.m. Each registered individual can pick up a total of four packets (i.e., your own bib/shirt plus as many as three other participants’ bibs/shirts). When picking up someone else's packet, please bring your photo ID and their bib number.


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. 

*** THE 2026 ONE GREAT CHALLENGE IS SOLD OUT ***

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 or you can transfer your registation to the virtual option. To complete your transfer, please log in to your Race Roster account.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE LOOK LIKE?
2026 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 2025-2026 calendar year and 6:00 minute mile or faster for men or 7:00 minute mile or faster for women. Once your results have been verified, you will be contacted regarding your seeded status.

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 Liberty Ave. and Stanwix St. on race morning.
  • 6:00AM to 7:45AM, shuttles will run to the 5K start line.
  • 7:45AM to 9:15AM, shuttles will run to the 10K start line.
  • Return shuttles to both start lines will run approximately 10:00AM until 11:30AM.
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.

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.

WHERE CAN I FIND NEARBY HOTELS FOR THE RACE?

We understand that finding accommodations is an important part of your race experience. To help you secure a comfortable stay, we've partnered with several local hotels that offer special rates for race partcipants. Our link to recommended hotels will be available soon for you to book your stay. These hotels are conveniently located near the race venue and provide various amenities to ensure your stay is enjoyable. We encourage you to book early, as accommodations can fill up quickly during race events.

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.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE AN ISSUE ON RACE DAY, LIKE A POTHOLE, DANGEROUS SIDEWALK, OR A DOWNED WIRE? If you notice a non-emergency issue, such as a pothole, a hazardous sidewalk, or a downed wire, please call 3-1-1 to report it to city services.  3-1-1 service requests are directed within 24 hours to the city agency that works to solve your issues.  City agencies respond to requests as quickly as possible.  


WHAT IF I SUSPECT A CRIME OR WITNESS A DANGEROUS SITUATION? 

For suspected crimes or non-urgent safety concerns, contact 3-1-1.


WHAT IF IT'S AN EMERGENCY? 

Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies, such as reporting a crime, fire, or medical emergency or If the situation poses an immediate threat to someone's safety or life.