P3R announces updates and opens registration for the 2020 GAP Relay presented by UPMC Health Plan

February 10, 2020

With course changes, new one-day course options, and a summer start, runners will experience a new GAP Relay in 2020

PITTSBURGH (February 10, 2020) – The 2020 GAP Relay presented by UPMC Health Plan opens registration with a new experience, giving runners more ways to participate in the weekend’s adventure.

Runners will still experience the Great Allegheny Passage from beginning to end, but new for 2020, the adventure will begin in Pittsburgh on June 19 and end in Cumberland, Md. on June 20. With a new, 60-mile one-day option, a limited number of teams can join the race early Saturday morning.

“With a new start date and additional options to participate, even more runners will have a chance to enjoy the 2020 GAP Relay,” said Dr. Joon Lee, chief medical officer at UPMC Health Plan. “The race is a true weekend adventure that is accessible to runners of all ability levels. UPMC Health Plan is proud to support the GAP Relay and P3R in their efforts to improve the health and fitness of runners.”

GAP runners can kick off summer and hit the trail in teams of eight, six, or four to run the full 150-mile distance, or they can team up in pairs or with three teammates for the brand new 60-mile one-day adventure course. This option has limited availability but gives runners on smaller teams the opportunity to see what this race is all about.

“Last year, this relay was the first-ever carbon-neutral trail race, and we are so excited to continue our sustainability efforts with this year’s event,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “We are really looking forward to continuing to work with UPMC Health Plan and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to enhance these efforts.”

Participants can also expect exciting giveaways and activities at the start line, select exchange zones along the course and the finish line in Cumberland, MD.

The 2020 GAP Relay presented by UPMC Health Plan is scheduled for June 19-20, 2020. Registration for the second annual trail race is currently open at www.gaptrailrelay.org. Proceeds from the race will help with the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the Great Allegheny Passage.

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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

FACEBOOK: RUNwithP3R. INSTAGRAM: RUNwithP3R. TWITTER: @RUNwithP3R

About UPMC Insurance Services

UPMC Insurance Services is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh, Pa. UPMC Insurance Services – which includes UPMC Health Plan, Workpartners, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for Kids,and Community Care Behavioral Health – offers a full range of health insurance and benefit management services including Medicare, Special Needs, Children’s Health Insurance, Medical Assistance, Behavioral Health, Employee Assistance and Workers’ Compensation products and services to over 3.7 million members. For more information, visit www.upmchealthplan.com.

 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, visitwww.GAPtrail.org.

FACEBOOK:GAPtrail                      TWITTER:@gap_trail                     INSTAGRAM:gap_trail