History of Pittsburgh Marathon in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 3, 2026

The Pittsburgh Marathon is an annual road race held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, typically on the first Sunday in May, since 1985. Known for its challenging, hilly course, the marathon traverses the city center and crosses Pittsburgh's three rivers. Over 3,000 runners usually complete the marathon each year. The event-filled weekend includes a half marathon, marathon relay, and a 5K race, attracting a wide range of participants.

October 3, 1984: Pittsburgh Marathon Announced

On October 3, 1984, the Pittsburgh Marathon was first announced with U.S. Steel and PNC Bank as sponsors.

May 5, 1985: Inaugural Marathon Held

On May 5, 1985, the inaugural Pittsburgh Marathon was held.

1985: First Pittsburgh Marathon held

In 1985, the first Pittsburgh Marathon was held. This annual road marathon takes place on the first Sunday in May in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

1986: Pittsburgh hosts National Wheelchair Championship

In 1986, Pittsburgh served as the site for the National Wheelchair Championship.

1988: Pittsburgh Marathon hosts United States Olympic Marathon Trials for women

In 1988, the Pittsburgh Marathon hosted the United States Olympic Marathon Trials for women, using the same course as the main marathon, but considered a separate event.

1996: UPMC becomes title sponsor

In 1996, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) became the title sponsor, replacing Giant Eagle, and the race was renamed the UPMC/City of Pittsburgh Marathon.

2000: Pittsburgh Marathon hosts United States Olympic Marathon Trials for men

In 2000, the Pittsburgh Marathon hosted the United States Olympic Marathon Trials for men, using the same course as the main marathon, but considered a separate event.

2003: Financial difficulties lead to suspension of the race

In late 2003, serious financial difficulty within the City of Pittsburgh municipal budget and UPMC's withdrawal from the title sponsorship led to the suspension of the race.

2004: Suspension of the race

In 2004, the Pittsburgh Marathon was suspended due to financial difficulties.

2008: Suspension of the race continues

In 2008, the Pittsburgh Marathon remained suspended due to financial difficulties.

2009: Marathon revived

Following a period of suspension, the Pittsburgh Marathon was revived in 2009, leading to increased attendance and popularity in subsequent years.

2009: Revival of the Pittsburgh Marathon

In 2009, the Pittsburgh Marathon event was revived with a new title sponsor, Dick's Sporting Goods.

2010: Microwave oven found near finish line

In 2010, a small microwave oven containing a suspected explosive device was found on the sidewalk near the finish line of the Pittsburgh Marathon, causing a brief delay. The oven was neutralized and found to contain ravioli.

March 6, 2012: Earliest sellout in race history

March 6, 2012, marked the earliest sellout in the history of the Pittsburgh Marathon, with all events except the 5K selling out on or before this date.

2020: 2020 race cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

In 2020, the Pittsburgh Marathon was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with registrants having the option to run virtually or obtain a refund.

2021: 2021 race cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic

In 2021, the Pittsburgh Marathon was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic for the second year in a row, with registrants having the option to run virtually or obtain a refund.