Started in 2001 in honor of the race director’s younger brother Sean, who lost his battle with leukemia in 1995, the race has helped raise close to $500,000 in the last 17 years in cooperation with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Led by race director Kevin Smith, every March his …
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Started in 2001 in honor of the race director’s younger brother Sean, who lost his battle with leukemia in 1995, the race has helped raise close to $500,000 in the last 17 years in cooperation with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Led by race director Kevin Smith, every March his friends, family and the staff of Pro Bike + Run (formerly Elite Runners & Walkers) along with a small army of volunteers from local youth groups help transform North Park into the course(s) for Just A Short Run. With distances of 5K, 8.1 Miles, 1/2 Marathon & 30K, this event makes the perfect warm up for the Pittsburgh Marathon and regularly draws runners from 30-40 states hoping to prepare for Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain.
All 4 courses are completely on paved gently rolling roads and all follow the roads up and around the ice rink and then around the lake in scenic North Park. With only one significant hill located on the 5K course portion of the common course, it is a nice run for beginners to advanced runners. Historically the temperature averages in the 40’s to start and finishes in the 50’s. Perfect racing weather!
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Good local Race with HIstory
Race is a combination of 5K, 7.1 miles 1/2 marathon and 30K. Basically it is just a question of how many times you around the lake, The 1/2 marathon required … MORE
Race is a combination of 5K, 7.1 miles 1/2 marathon and 30K. Basically it is just a question of how many times you around the lake, The 1/2 marathon required a short run and back to cover the 5K distance and then two complete runs around the lake. The area is a runners paradise. Lots or recreation runners are in area and there are established running lanes for the whole course. The race is well organized with free phots and slightly different swag. This year had a pair of shorts, which is the usual and a pint glass. I have run this race for three years although this is the first 1/2 marathon, previously ran 8.1 distance.
First Half Marathon
This was my first half marathon and it was a good one. The first nice piece was the parking, it was super easy to get around and it was well … MORE
This was my first half marathon and it was a good one. The first nice piece was the parking, it was super easy to get around and it was well managed on where to park and where the starting line was. The swag was nice, it includes shorts and post race food.
This particular year it was really cold, but all the runners on the course would alert runners behind them to ice or other potential hazards.
The course around North park is really pretty. Running around the lake and seeing people just out for a morning walk/run/bike was really cool. There is a lot of rolling hills but again its in Pittsburgh so you always are going to have hills.
A nice course, a great big medal, easy packet pick ups. Would absolutely recommend this race for people looking for a warm up to the Pittsburgh races in May.
Great Marathon Prep
This is a great race to prep for a spring marathon. A lot of people use it in prep for Pittsburgh's Marathon in May. This was actually my very first … MORE
This is a great race to prep for a spring marathon. A lot of people use it in prep for Pittsburgh’s Marathon in May. This was actually my very first half back in 2012 and I did the 30K in 2018. It’s a small race, but the park you run around is lovely. You loop a lake and see lots of wildlife, including waterfowl and deer. The only drawback is it’s a looped course so for the 30k you see everything three times. However, I found it enjoyable. They have a great pace team, a nice and large medal, and it’s well organized!