I ended up running the Pittsburgh 10 Miler on Sunday, November 8 on a convenient whim. I had plans to see one of my favorite bands (Fantastic Cat) that Saturday night in Pittsburgh and I knew I’d find somewhere to do a long run the next morning. I’ve run at North Park during past visits and assumed I might end up there again. Then I happened to pay attention to an email from P3R, the group who presented the half marathon I ran in the city in May of 2025. They had a 10-mile race coming up that was perfectly timed with my trip and they were offering a one-day sale of $15 off the race entry. Parts of the course overlapped with the half marathon course, including running across a bunch of bridges. I had enjoyed that race so much that I jumped at the chance to add this race to my schedule.
It takes me somewhere around five hours to drive to Pittsburgh and I got to town around noon on Saturday. I went straight to Dick’s Sporting Goods at Ross Park Mall for packet pickup.
I browsed the mall briefly until I quickly remembered that malls during the weekend are too peopley for me. I had a little time to kill before I could check into my hotel so I drove downtown for some scenic views from the top of Mount Washington.
It was fun to roam around a bit then I drove back down to the heart of the city where I had a hotel room that would be conveniently located for the race the next morning. I grabbed a sandwich and headed out to Mr. Smalls Theatre which was 10 minutes away. It was cool to experience a new venue and hang out with some friends while enjoying a super fun show from Fantastic Cat.
Most logical people might not stand around for hours at a show then go to sleep way too late the night before running a race, but this has become a pretty common occurrence for me. I seem to pull it off fairly successfully so I keep doing it!
The forecast for the race couldn’t have been more perfect. It would be a little on the cool side which would be great for running.
It was definitely worthwhile for me to stay downtown and make things a little easier on race morning. Since I already had my packet, all I had to do was get to the start and drop off post-race clothes at gear check. I was able to use the bathroom at my hotel and left 45 minutes before the start.
I jogged a mile to the start, doing my best to dart around the crowds of people walking to the race. The race was staged outside F.N.B. Stadium, a small soccer stadium. I was still there early enough that I had plenty of time to line up in the corral easily, and I stayed warm enough from my warm up jog.
It was announced that the event sold out with over 6,500 people between the 10K and 10 mile races. This wasn’t just a random race I found while I’d be in town – it was a big deal!
At 8:30 we were off! We started right by the bottom of the Duquesne Incline. Pittsburgh has some extremely steep hills, but thankfully we would not end up climbing to the top of that incline or anything like it!
We DID get a quick little climb shortly after the start though. I had lined up just in front of the 7:30 pacer and the group was getting close to passing me when I questioned if I was going to let that happen yet again. I usually line up around the pace I think I want to run only to have the pace group run a tad bit faster and eventually disappear. This time I pushed a little more to stay ahead and I didn’t see them again. That’s because I ended up running the first mile in 7:16!
Although we didn’t climb any significant hills, especially considering how hilly the area is, the course still rolled quite a bit. There were some short climbs plus slight inclines going up the bridges. I made sure to really milk my momentum on the downhills to balance things out.
There was a great variety of scenery. Little bits of remaining fall colors, the football stadium, the ballpark, and more.
When I ran the third mile in 6:59, I wondered how I was going to keep it up for seven more miles. I also thought that I probably ought to be running the 10K instead of the 10-miler with that kind of speed!
There was great energy along the way with DJs stationed at least every mile and the occasional group playing live music as well. It was fun to see a few runners pull off for quick dance breaks!
After running across one bridge, we did an out-and-back on the roads only to run back across the bridge in the other direction.
By the time I hit the 10K mark, I knew I was pretty close to a 10K PR. I really should be able to run the shorter distances faster!
My sixth mile was the slowest at 7:38. The elevation chart above shows how the course rolled and I think one of the hills wore on me a little. My legs were getting tired but I managed to keep going and speed back up again – thanks to another downhill stretch.
I managed to hang on and ran 7:16 pace for both miles seven and eight. When we made a turn to head downtown toward the finish, I knew it was kind of a straightaway, but we still had a couple miles to go. We also got to run into some wind which made that segment quite a grind.
With a mile to go, I pushed as hard as I could. I was telling myself to really use the strength in my legs and cruise.
I ran the last mile in 6:56! Once again it leaves me wondering why it’s so hard to run that pace for three miles in a 5K yet I had the energy for it at the end of 10 miles.
My official time of 1:13:34 meant I ran a PR! My previous best was at Crim in 2022 when I ran 1:13:54, so I was exactly 20 seconds faster. I’ve now run half marathon and 10-mile PRs this year which is a great feeling.
Food at the end was pretty minimal but I got a bag of chips and a cookie. Cookies at the end of a race are always appreciated!
I spent a short amount of time in the celebration area before heading back to my hotel before an 11:00 check out time. Then it was time to make the drive home, which ended up being pretty brutal because running that hard totally wrecked my stomach. This happens much too often lately. I love seeing what I’m capable of but wish it didn’t come with the consequence of stomach issues/pain for two days afterward.
Still…I’m glad I pushed myself and got that PR. I proved once again that somehow I can juggle my concert and running habits. Maybe the amazing show the night before helped me do so well! Either way, I’ve really enjoyed my two experiences of racing in Pittsburgh and am so glad the concert lead me to do this one.
– Janet
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