Pittsburgh to Host 2027 USATF Half Marathon Championships

March 19, 2026

National championship event will return to Steel City as part of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events in 2027

PITTSBURGH (March 19, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – P3R today announced that Pittsburgh has been selected to host the 2027 USATF Half Marathon Championships as part of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events. The national championship will be contested in conjunction with the 2027 UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon on May 2, bringing the country’s top distance runners to the Steel City.

Nearly 100 of the nation’s elite athletes are expected to compete for national titles and a $58,000 total prize purse, including $10,000 awards for both the men’s and women’s champions. The event will draw national attention and showcase Pittsburgh on one of the sport’s premier stages.

Pittsburgh previously hosted the USATF Half Marathon Championships in 2018 and 2019, producing highly competitive fields and breakthrough performances. Since then, American half marathon records have fallen by 26 seconds on the men’s side and 1 minute, 20 seconds on the women’s side—reflecting a faster, deeper era of U.S. distance running.

“We are proud to welcome the USATF Half Marathon Championships back to Pittsburgh,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “Our city has a long and distinguished history of hosting premier distance running events, and this selection reinforces Pittsburgh’s reputation as a top destination for elite competition. We look forward to showcasing our neighborhoods, our spectators and our scenic course to the nation’s best athletes as they compete for national titles and Olympic Trials qualifying marks.”

The championships will once again be part of the USATF Running Circuit, a national road series featuring USATF Championships from one mile through the marathon and awarding more than $500,000 in total prize money annually. The event will also serve as a qualifier for the 2028 USATF Olympic Team Trials – Marathon.

“The unique course, world-class hospitality and unmatched energy athletes experience in Pittsburgh make it a great home for the 2027 USATF Half Marathon Championships,” said Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track & Field. “We are grateful for this partnership which give America’s top distance runners the opportunity to face incredible competition and race for personal bests and a strong prize purse.”

Each year, more than 50,000 participants take part in the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events, reinforcing Pittsburgh’s status as one of the nation’s premier running destinations. From its iconic bridges and vibrant neighborhoods to its enthusiastic spectators, the city delivers an unforgettable race experience for athletes of all levels. That reputation continues to earn national recognition, with both the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon named by Runner’s World among the top spring races to run in 2026—placing Pittsburgh alongside the most celebrated events in the sport.

More information about the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events is available at www.thePittsburghMarathon.com.

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About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events

The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts more than 50,000 runners. Read more at: ThePittsburghMarathon.com

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About P3R
P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming – including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more – that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.

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