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What Makes the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler So Special, According to the Experts

08.22.22

This year we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. Since the first race in 2013, the event has become a favorite fall tradition for many. We’ve asked the experts - those participants who have run every single event so far - what makes the event so special to them. Here are some of the reasons why they keep coming back to the start line.  

10 Miles is the Perfect Distance.

“I found it to be a really good tune-up for a late fall marathon, but also really like the 10-mile distance for its own sake. It does not beat me up. I can really enjoy it because it is an atypical distance, and I find my recovery time is very short.” - Bruce Rohrs  

Pittsburgh has the best spectators.  

“I would recommend this run to anybody who wants to see various Pittsburgh neighborhoods and gets into cheering crowds along the way. I especially like giving high 5’s to the little kids along the way. Hopefully, it adds to their day because it certainly adds to mine.”  - Keith Nixon  

Running in the fall is the best.  

“The EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler is my absolute favorite Pittsburgh race. The distance is perfect - long enough that you need to put some work in and push yourself, but short enough that you can enjoy the full day in the city after. The weather has been perfect year-after-year, the kind of fall weather that gets you excited to run.” - Cara Lincoln

It gets you hooked.  

“During the inaugural year, my friends and I really enjoyed the race. The atmosphere was fun and I love the time of year (cool or sometimes cold weather) to run outdoors. I enjoyed it so much that I set a goal of running 20 in a row. So, 10 years in I’m almost halfway to my goal.” - John Robb  

The distance is right for your race schedule.  

“10 miles is a great way to get you mentally prepared if you are looking to do the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half in May and also a good way to work toward increasing your miles if you just did the Richard S. Caligiuri City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10K.  For anyone looking to train for the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, you only have 16.2 miles more to go! Just have some fun, and run it. You won't regret it!” - Beth Rossi  

It’s great for first-timers or ultramarathoners.  

“I have so many fond memories of running this race over the last decade. At the time of the first EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler, I had never run a distance greater than 10 miles. I have now completed several ultra marathons ranging up to 50 miles, so it's safe to say that the first 10 miler created an awesome passion in my life” - Mark Skosnik

   

Not just Pittsburgh’s but America’s favorite fall road race.  

“My husband and I have actually both done this race every year. Even if we’re training for other events or coming off of a longer distance race, we never miss the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler because it’s truly a highlight of the fall for us. He refers to it not just as Pittsburgh’s favorite fall road race, but America’s favorite fall road race. As long as I’m able to run, I plan to be racing the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler!” - Cara Lincoln  

It brings out the best of Pittsburgh.  

“My favorite memory is the year the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler started doing the "Pittsburgh theme.” I remember running across the West End Bridge to the North Side.  Just as I approached the crest of the hill on the North Side, there was a big screen with Mr. Rodgers singing, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood," and then I turned the corner to see a bunch of volunteers at the water stop handing out cups of water.  The sight brought me to tears, seeing so many people helping out their "neighbors.”  Mr. Rodgers would have been proud!” - Beth Rossi  

It’s a must-do fall tradition.  

“The EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler has become an important running tradition for me. I know that on the first weekend of November, I will have 10 miles to run in my hometown, and I really look forward to that all year long. Nothing compares to the feeling of achievement and joy you feel when you cross the finish line downtown.” - Casey Tarasi  

You can celebrate your accomplishment with brunch.  

“I’ve recruited members of my local run group, Run Greensburg, to run this race every year. We now annually plan a brunch after the race somewhere in the city and enjoy celebratory food & drinks. Everyone looks forward to this race/brunch for weeks!” - Cara Lincoln  

You come home with special memories.

“In 2017, my Dad decided he wanted to run the race although he had not run a distance that long in many, many years. He trained all summer and fall, and seeing him cross the finish line and achieve his goal is something I will always remember.  Not even the rain falling that day could damper our spirits, as we celebrated at the finish line together.” - Casey Tarasi

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate 10 years of the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler and experience the very best of Pittsburgh. Register today.