Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race Returns This Weekend for 49th Running
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The 49th annual Great Race weekend will feature events for participants of all ages and abilities, including the Dollar Bank Junior Great Race’s Family Fun Run, Tot Trot and Diaper Dash on Saturday, followed by the Great Race 5K, 10K and One GREAT Challenge on Sunday. The 5K and 10K courses will wind through Pittsburgh’s iconic neighborhoods before finishing in Point State Park.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
49th Great Race: The 2026 event marks the 49th running of Pittsburgh’s iconic Great Race, continuing a tradition that began in 1977 under Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri. Sixteen men, known as the Perfect Great Racers, have run every Great Race since the inaugural event in 1977. This year, they will look to complete their 49th race and keep one of Pittsburgh’s most unique running traditions alive.
One Great Weekend: From toddlers taking their first steps across a finish line to experienced runners racing the 5K and 10K, the weekend offers something for every age and ability.
A Pittsburgh tradition: The 10K begins in Frick Park and travels through Oakland and along Forbes Avenue, Fifth Avenue and the Boulevard of the Allies before finishing in Point State Park. The 5K begins in Oakland and follows a predominantly downhill course to the finish downtown.
Caliguiri family legacy: Members of the Caliguiri family will once again participate in the Great Race, honoring the legacy of late Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri and helping raise awareness of amyloidosis.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, September 26
Dollar Bank Junior Great Race
9:30–11:00 a.m.
Family Fun Run, Tot Trot and Diaper Dash
Location: Point State Park
Sunday, September 27
Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race
8:00 a.m.
5K Run & Walk
Start: Fifth Avenue & Atwood Street, Oakland
8:15 a.m.
First 5K Finisher Expected
Finish: Point State Park
9:00 a.m.
5K Award Ceremony & Raffle
Location: Show Mobile Stage, Point State Park
9:25 a.m.
10K Handcycle Division
Start: Beechwood Boulevard near Frick Environmental Center, Frick Park
9:30 a.m.
10K Race
Start: Beechwood Boulevard near Frick Environmental Center, Frick Park
10:00 a.m.
First 10K Finisher Expected
Finish: Point State Park
11:00 a.m.
10K Award Ceremony & Raffle
Location: Show Mobile Stage, Point State Park
GIVING BACK
Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri established the Great Race in 1977 as a community “fun run.” Eleven years later, Mayor Caliguiri died from amyloidosis, a rare disease in which abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in one or more organs.
The Caliguiri family continues to honor his legacy through participation in the Great Race and efforts to raise awareness of amyloidosis.
MEDIA CREDENTIALS
Media accreditation is required for access to the Great Race start and finish line areas.
Media members requesting credentials should email Kelsey Emch at kelsey.emch@P3R.org by Friday, September 25.
Credentials can be picked up at the Volunteer Check-in Tent near the entrance to Point State Park, at the intersection of Commonwealth Place and Penn Avenue.
About the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race
Each year on the last Sunday of September, the starting gun sounds for a world-class road race that has become a true Pittsburgh tradition for the past 40 years. The Great Race – established as a 10K race by the late Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri – has attracted nearly a half million participants since 1977. Over the years, this popular fall fitness classic has grown to include a 5K run/walk and children’s race. For more information about the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race, visit www.RunGreatRace.com
About P3R
P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming - including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more - that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.
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