PITTSBURGH – The 31st annual Dollar Bank Junior Great Race kicked off One GREAT Weekend today with a morning of fun, fitness and family-friendly activities at Point State Park. More than 500 children and their families participated in this year’s event, continuing a Pittsburgh tradition that has inspired young runners for more than three decades.
Children ages 12 and under participated in the One-Mile Family Fun Run, while toddlers dashed down a grassy stretch in the Tot Trot and the youngest participants made their debut in the Diaper Dash. Every child received a finisher’s medal, goodie bag, banana from Sam’s Club, hot dog and an iconic Smiley Cookie courtesy of Eat’n Park at the finish line.
Families also enjoyed face painting, games and a photo booth. Popular Pittsburgh mascots such as the Pirate Parrot, Pittsburgh Pierogies, Cape Kid, Eat’n Park Smiley Cookie, Buster the Recycling Raccoon, Amo from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, and Frankie the Fish from ALCOSAN competed in the inaugural Mascot Race.
“For 31 years, the Dollar Bank Junior Great Race has been creating special memories for young runners and their families,” said Brian Katze, Race Director. “There’s something special about watching kids experience the excitement of a race for the first time, cross the finish line and celebrate with their families. We’re proud that this event continues to inspire the future Great Racers who will carry this tradition forward for years to come.”
Tomorrow, One Great Weekend continues with the 49th Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race presented by Highmark. As today’s youngest participants celebrated their first miles, thousands of runners and walkers will take to Pittsburgh’s streets Sunday for the 5K, 10K and One GREAT Challenge and continue a tradition that has brought generations of Pittsburghers together through movement.
About the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race Presented by Highmark
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 48 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. The Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race is hosted by the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation and proudly sponsored by Highmark, Allegheny Health Network, and Dollar Bank. For more information about the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race, visit
www.RunGreatRace.com.
About P3R
P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to MOVE with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at:
www.P3R.org.