Frequently Asked Questions | 2024 Great Race - Pittsburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

Important information for all registered race participants

WHEN IS THE 2024 GREAT RACE?
The Great Race will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024. 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! SIGN UP HERE.

HOW DO I GET MY PACKET?
Packet Pickup will be available at Point State park on the following days:
Friday, September 27 - 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 28 - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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. To sign up, please complete a registration for both the 5K and 10K.

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. 

WHAT DOES THE COURSE LOOK LIKE?
2024 Course Map Coming Soon!

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 2023 calendar year and 6:45 minute mile or faster for men or 7:42 minute mile or faster for women. 

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 Penn Ave. and Stanwix St. on race morning beginning at 6:00 AM going to 5K start only. Starting at 7:45 AM, shuttles will begin for the 10K. At 9:15 AM, the last shuttle to 10K start line will depart. Please plan to arrive early as trips may take longer due to construction detours.

If you parked near either start line, shuttles will also be available to take you back to the start line areas after your race. The final return shuttle will depart Gateway Plaza at noon.

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.

DOES THE COURSE HAVE A TIME LIMIT?

Due to public safety reasons, we ask that all participants maintain a 15 minute-per-mile pace. If you cannot adhere to the permitted pace per mile, there is a possibility that you will be asked to board a sweep vehicle that will take you to the shuttle drop off area. 

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.