Virtual Fleet Feet Liberty Mile Challenges More than 1,000 to Run their Best Mile

August 11, 2020

Runners with a variety of fitness levels, from first-time runners to Olympians, earned the first-ever participant medal

PITTSBURGH (August 11, 2020) –  This year’s Virtual Fleet Feet Liberty Mile challenged more than a 1,000 participants to run their fastest (and most fun) mile virtually. Participants ages 3 to 84 picked their favorite one-mile course, whether that was a trail, track, sidewalk or treadmill, and pushed themselves to run their best mile and earned the first-ever participant medal.

“This year’s Fleet Feet Liberty Mile virtually brought together runners of all ages and abilities to run their best mile,” said P3R CEO Troy Schooley. “Some were running their very first mile. Others were attempting their fastest mile. Many were also running with their families as a way to spend quality time and move together.”

Repeatedly named “one of America’s most iconic races” by Runner’s World, the Fleet Feet Liberty Mile appeals to runners of all abilities from first-timers to Olympians. Many families were inspired to run together in the Kids of STEEL or One for Fun heats or with their furry friends in the Pup Trot heat.

“The Fleet Feet Liberty Mile is the perfect distance for our whole family,” said Rob Wellington, who participated with his wife and son. “It’s not too far for our son, and it’s a challenge for the two of us to try to break our previous years’ records.”

Some of America’s best milers, including U.S. Olympian Ben Blankenship and U.S. mile champions Heather Kampf, Emily Lipari and Riley Masters, participated in this year’s virtual elite field. Many of them have a tradition of running the event and didn’t want to miss it even though it was virtual this year.

“I have always loved traveling to the hidden gem of Pittsburgh, and I’ll miss going back this year,” Lipari said. “The Fleet Feet Liberty Mile has always been a special one to me because regardless of how my season was going, I was always able to find a little magic on the streets of Pittsburgh.”

The 2020 Virtual Fleet Feet Liberty Mile was the second race of the 2020 #RUNwithP3R Challenge. Runners will earn a bonus medal if they completed a Virtual 2020 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon event, the Virtual Fleet Feet Liberty Mile and the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler in 2020.

“We were proud to support this year’s race and inspire so many runners to keep moving and challenge themselves with a one-mile distance,” said Bob Shooer, owner of Fleet Feet Pittsburgh. “The Pittsburgh running community is strong and continues to do a wonderful job of supporting and cheering each other on virtually.”

Click here to view and download photos from the 2020 Fleet Feet Liberty Mile virtual participants. For more event information, visit www.LibertyMile.org.

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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