News

Pittsburgh Marathon participants not fazed by wet weather

PITTSBURGH — Thousands of runners took to the streets for Sunday’s DICK's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, and organizers said potentially wet weather won’t stop them.

“They're runners of steel and they said, ‘Ha, are you kidding me? We've been running in rain, snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and now, all we get is rain?' They're totally prepared and totally up for taking the challenge on,” Patrice Matamoros, chief executive officer and race director, said.

Severe Weather Team 11 Meteorologist Kevin Benson predicted that there would be periods of wet weather Sunday, but most of the rain fell overnight on Saturday.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said safety is the No. 1 priority for marathon-weekend events.

“All of the runners, all of the 200,000 people that will be participating this weekend, will not only have a wonderful experience with the race, but will have a safe experience in celebrating Pittsburgh,” he said.

For the first time, doctors ran the half and full marathon courses to help with any emergencies. Ten doctors were spaced out throughout the course. %INLINE%

According to preliminary reports, 31 individuals were transported to local hospitals from reasons ranging from ankle injuries and cramps to chest pain. Four of the people taken are believed to be non-runners. There were no major medical issues.

Downtown road closures began Friday with the Boulevard of the Allies between Wood Street and Stanwix Street. That closure will remain in effect through Sunday.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County provided additional service to participants and spectators on the East and West busways about every half-hour, and on the Mon and Duquesne inclines. There are also expected to be additional articulated buses between Oakland and downtown throughout both days.

Regular service on buses that travel into and through downtown will be detoured Sunday from the start of service at 5 a.m. until about 2:30 p.m.

Ahead of Sunday’s marathon, half marathon and marathon relay, Saturday’s events included the Pittsburgh 5K and Kids Marathon.

2016 COURSE MAPS:
2016 WINNER’S LIST:

8th DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

MEN

1) Kipkoech Ruto (KEN)

2) Werkuneh Seyoum Aboye (ETH)

3) Tyler Jermann (USA/AZ)

4) Tony Migliozzi (USA/OH)

5) Birhanu Dare Kemal (ETH)

6) Abu Kebede Diriba (ETH)

7) Musa Ido (ETH)

8) Jed Christiansen (USA/PA)

9) Thomas Rammelkamp (USA/VA)

10) Kenny Goodfellow (USA/NY)

MASTERS MEN (40 & older)

1) James Hommes, 45, (PA)

2) Dustin Sprague, 41, (OH)

3) Brett Mason, 40, (PA)

WOMEN

1) Hailemaryam Ayantu Dak (ETH)

2) Bizuwork Getahun Kasay (ETH)

3) Phebe Ko (USA/CA)

4) Sara Zambotti (USA/PA)

5) Mindy Sawtelle-Zottola (USA/PA)

6) Jacqueline D’Attoma (USA/OH)

7) Erika Suhy (USA/PA)

8) Dana Catanzaro (USA/PA)

9) Tammy Slusser (USA/PA)

10) Christy Crummy (USA/PA)

MASTERS WOMEN (40 & older)

1) Mindy Sawtelle-Zottola, 43, (PA)

2) Tammy Slusser, 51, (PA)

3) Kelly Annapolen, 44, (PA)

4) Stacy Kopchak, 52 (PA)

8th UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon

1) Julius Kogo (KEN)

2) Kimutai Cheruiyot (KEN)

3) Nelson Oyugi (KEN)

4) Aschalew Meketa (ETH)

5) Ayele Megersa Feisa (ETH)

6) Rob Molke (USA/MN)

7) Paul Yak (USA/CO & SSD)

8) Kyle Dawson (USA/PA)

9) Christian Thompson (USA/NC)

10) John Yankello (USA/PA)

WOMEN

1) Etaferahu Temesgen (KEN)

2) Susan Jerotich (KEN)

3) Serena Burla (USA/VA)

4) Heather Lieberg (USA/OR)

5) Yihunlish Bekele (USA/MD)

6) Heather Cleary (USA/WV)

7) Jessie Peterson (USA/NY)

8) Megan Tramaglini (USA/PA)

9) Ann Mazur (USA/VA)

10) Megan Wright (USA/WV)

Sunday’s marathon took runners through 13 Pittsburgh neighborhoods, beginning and ending downtown.

Race organizers said more than 35,000 runners from 50 states and 12 countries were represented.