2020 GAP Relay Presented by UPMC Health Plan Now a Virtual Event

May 6, 2020

The two-day, 150-mile relay adventure through the Great Allegheny Passage will now challenge teams virtually; first 100 teams can register for FREE from UPMC Health Plan donation

PITTSBURGH (May 6, 2020) – P3R has announced that the 2020 GAP Relay presented by UPMC Health Plan, scheduled for June 19-20 on the Great Allegheny Passage, will now be a virtual relay race. Event partner UPMC Health Plan is committed to supporting runners and the Allegheny Trail Alliance and will donate the registration fees for the first 100 teams to sign up for the virtual 2020 GAP Relay.

“With safety always our top priority, the virtual relay race is the best way for us to continue this year’s event,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “While this isn’t the outcome we hoped for, we are excited to help runners achieve their goals as a team and celebrate the Great Allegheny Passage from a safe distance. We are so grateful for our partners at UPMC Health Plan for the support of this event and their dedication to runners and the Pittsburgh community.”

Teams of 4, 6 or 8 can split the 24 legs of the 150-mile relay however they choose. All team members will have from June 19 through August 14, 2020 to complete their relay and cover the distance from Pittsburgh, PA, to Cumberland, MD. Teams can run their legs anywhere that works for them — whether that’s safely on a trail, through their neighborhood or on a treadmill.

“UPMC Health Plan believes in promoting an active, healthy lifestyle and encourages everyone to lace up their running shoes and get fit,” said Ellen Beckjord, Associate Vice President, Population Health and Clinical Transformation for UPMC Health Plan. “Our goal is to keep runners motivated to move. By running the GAP Relay virtually, we hope runners will have the chance to motivate and inspire their friends, family, and co-workers as they work together (even while apart) to finish their race.”

Each year, the GAP Relay raises money to support the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA), the non-profit organization supporting, improving, and caring for the Great Allegheny Passage. The GAP still needs the ATA’s work to thrive, and P3R hopes the event will still raise money to support the ATA’s important work this year. Teams are encouraged to make a donation of $100 during the registration process.

For more information on the GAP Relay, visit  https://p3r.org/races/gap-relay

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About P3R

P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to run 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: P3R.org

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About the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA)
Founded in 1995, ATA is a coalition of seven trail organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland that is charged with promoting and enhancing the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile multiple use rail-trail system between Cumberland, MD and Pittsburgh, PA and the 52-mile Montour Trail, to provide a connection to the Pittsburgh International Airport. Completed in 2013, The Passage is now connected to the 184.5 mile C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland and provides a non-motorized, nearly level trail system between Washington, DC and Pittsburgh, PA. For more information on the Great Allegheny Passage and the Allegheny Trail Alliance, visit www.GAPtrail.org.