Registration Opens April 7 for the 49th Great Race

Published on April 06, 2026

Registration Opens April 7 for the 49th Running of the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race

Pittsburgh, PA – Registration for the 49th annual Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the 31st annual Dollar Bank Junior Great Race officially opens April 7—kicking off the countdown to One Great Weekend on September 26-27, 2026. To celebrate, runners and walkers can take advantage of exclusive two-day opening pricing, available April 7-8 and guaranteed to be the lowest rates of the season.

“One Great Weekend is an opportunity for families, runners, walkers and visitors to come together and enjoy a longtime Pittsburgh tradition,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “We hope to see everyone come out for this great weekend that raises money and awareness for a special cause.”

More than 10,000 participants are expected to take part in this year’s event, filling the streets of Pittsburgh with energy, movement, and community pride. Now entering its 49th year, the Great Race continues to draw participants from more than 30 states and multiple countries, uniting competitive athletes, first-time runners, families, and walkers in a shared celebration of health and community.

“Highmark Health's dedication to the communities we serve runs deep, and we are incredibly proud to maintain our longstanding partnership with the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race,” said Kenya T. Boswell, senior vice president of community affairs for Highmark Health and president of the Highmark Foundation. “This race is a powerful symbol of community health and well-being, and we are proud to inspire individuals and families to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through our Highmark Bright Blue Futures program.”

One Great Weekend for All Ages

From toddlers to seasoned runners, One Great Weekend offers something for everyone. The Dollar Bank Junior Great Race kicks off the celebration on Saturday, September 26, with the Family Fun Run, Tot Trot, and Diaper Dash. On Sunday, September 27, runners and walkers will take on the iconic 5K and 10K courses, showcasing Pittsburgh’s Oakland and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods and finishing in historic Point State Park.

Participants can also take on the One Great Challenge, completing both the 5K and 10K to earn an exclusive bonus medal on top of their finisher medals.

“Each year, the Great Race showcases the very best of Pittsburgh—our energy, our resilience, and our strong sense of community," Eric Sloan, City of Pittsburgh's Department of Parks and Recreation director. "Whether you’re racing, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, One Great Weekend is an opportunity for everyone to come together and be active in a fun, welcoming environment. We’re excited to kick off registration and look forward to seeing thousands out on the course this September.”

Limited-Time Opening Pricing

Participants who register April 7-8 can secure the lowest pricing of the season:

• 5K: $25
• 10K: $30
• Dollar Bank Junior Great Race events: $10

Beginning April 9, pricing increases to $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K, while Junior Great Race pricing remains unchanged.

All participants receive a race shirt and finisher medal.

Running with Purpose

Beyond the finish line, the Great Race continues to make an impact. Each year, $1 from every registration supports research through the Richard S. Caliguiri Amyloidosis Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation—honoring the legacy of Mayor Caliguiri and advancing critical medical research.

For more information or to register, visitwww.RunGreatRace.com.

About the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race

Each year on the last Sunday of September, the starting gun sounds for a world-class road race that has become a true Pittsburgh tradition for the past 48 years. The Great Race – established as a 10K race by the late Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri – has attracted nearly a half million participants since 1977. Over the years, this popular fall fitness classic has grown to include a 5K run/walk, running clinic, two-day runner check-in and children’s race, with more than 10,000 individuals taking part in these various activities annually. For more information about the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race, visit www.RunGreatRace.com

FACEBOOK:  GreatRacePGH   X:  @GreatRacePGH    INSTAGRAM:  GreatRacePGH

About CITIPARKS

Citiparks - the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks and Recreation - serves to enrich the lives of all City residents through its wide array of programs geared towards engaging Pittsburgh residents of all ages as well as visitors. The Citiparks Office of Special Events hosts an expansive lineup of programs including concert and movie series in park venues, holiday festivities, and the region's official Independence Day celebration. The Office presents The Great Race (the Commonwealth's largest 10k footrace) and an annual series of community footraces showcasing parks and neighborhoods. 

About P3R

P3R is Western Pennsylvania’s premier sporting event and experience expert. Best known for organizing the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R produces up to 20 major events each year, partnering with top organizations like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and the National Senior Games.

As part of its nonprofit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE, P3R provides premium event experiences and robust programming—including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL initiative, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, and RUN Varsity—to engage the community and promote an active lifestyle.

Follow P3R on social media: FACEBOOK: P3RmovesPGH | INSTAGRAM: P3RmovesPGH | TWITTER/X: P3RmovesPGH | TikTok: P3RmovesPGH | YouTube: P3RmovesPGH

Story Contact: Kelsey Emch P3R Executive Communications & Public Relations Manager 417-425-9400 | kelsey.emch@p3r.org

Molly Onufer
Press Secretary
molly.onufer@pittsburghpa.gov