The Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race is officially next month! As the excitement grows for the Great Race’s return to a live start line, let’s take a look at ten facts about the Great Race 5K and 10K.
- Former Pittsburgh Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri founded The Great Race as a ‘community fun run’ in 1977.
- In 1993, the 5K run/walk joined the Great Race weekend of events with 865 participants crossing the inaugural finish line.
- Great Race 10K runners will take approximately 12,500 steps to cross the finish line at Point State Park. Great Race 5K runners will earn their medal by taking approximately 6,250 steps.
- The distance of the 5K Great Race is 3.1 miles, making it manageable for novice runners to train for and achieve their first finish line goal.
- The Great Race 10K men’s course record is 27:09 set by Stephen Nyamu in 1995. Laura Mykytok set the 10K women’s course record with her 31:02 finish in 1994.
- To run your best 5K and 10K distances, hydration is key! Runners can refuel and stay hydrated at the three water stations featured along the Great Race course.
- Runners completing the Great Race 10K will run by three gorgeous Pittsburgh parks: Frick Park, Schenley Park, and Point State Park.
- Five universities are located along the Great Race race course, including University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University.
- Runners can look forward to a predominantly downhill race through some of Pittsburgh’s unique East End neighborhoods, finishing downtown at Point State Park.
- The Great Race is the largest 10K race in Pennsylvania, with more than 250,000 people participating since 1977.
This historic race is one of Pittsburgh finest, full of interesting facts! Whether you’re running your first 5K or celebrating your Great Race 10K yearly tradition, there is something for everyone at the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race.