Elite Runners Gear Up for Pittsburgh Half Marathon This Weekend

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Elite runners gathered Friday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to kick off the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon weekend, including the highly anticipated half marathon on Sunday.

Among the standout athletes is Andrew Bowman, a Michigan native who has made a name for himself by winning the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon last year in 2 hours, 15.52 minutes. This year, Bowman is switching to the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh half marathon, set to begin at 7 a.m. on Liberty Avenue.

“Pittsburgh is an exciting city, and this race specifically energizes me,” Bowman said. “Running these streets again and taking in the views makes it all worthwhile.” After recently competing in the Boston Marathon, Bowman felt the half marathon would be more appropriate given his physical condition. “I want to make Pittsburgh a staple of my year-to-year racing,” he said.

With favorable weather conditions predicted, Bowman will be among over 46,000 participants, including elite Kenyan runner Wesley Kiptoo. Kiptoo aims for his unprecedented fourth consecutive win in the half marathon, having set a course record of 1:01.21 in 2023.

“This race really means a lot to me,” said Kiptoo, who was celebrated at the expo alongside Bowman and other elite runners. “The support from thousands of spectators creates a special atmosphere every year.”

Stephanie Bruce, a three-time U.S. National champion, also returns for the women’s half marathon, hoping to clinch her third victory in Pittsburgh. “It feels awesome to run here,” Bruce said, noting that her family joined her this time. “We’re exploring the city together, which is a nice change.”

The marathon events kick off at 6:50 a.m. Sunday with the hand-cycle group. The finish line for all races will be on the Boulevard of the Allies. Defending champion Jane Bareikis, who won last year, expressed excitement about returning. “Pittsburgh was my first-ever marathon win, and it means everything to me,” she said.

This year’s race offers a total prize purse of $102,000, with $7,000 awarded to first-place finishers in the marathon and $10,000 for half-marathon winners. Additionally, Saturday will see the Pittsburgh Kids Marathon, featuring over 10,000 kids, and a 5K event expected to attract a record 6,000 runners.