PITTSBURGH — More than 13,000 runners joined the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon as it went virtual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
People took to social media to support the runners using the hashtag “#MOVEPittsburgh.”
The runners that took part are from 43 states and five countries. Almost one-third of people who ran were participating in their first-ever marathon and more than 20 percent were running in their first-ever half marathon.
More than 3,000 kids and their families also ran the Virtual Chick-fil-A Kids Marathon.
GOOD LUCK RUNNERS! Are you completing the virtual @UPMCHealthPlan/@UPMCSportsMed Pittsburgh 5K, @ChickfilA Pittsburgh Kids Marathon, @sheetz Pittsburgh Toddler Trot or Pittsburgh Pet Walk today? We are cheering for you ALL THE WAY! 😁 #MOVEPittsburgh pic.twitter.com/PocNHdW3ZF
— Pittsburgh Marathon (@PGHMarathon) May 2, 2020
More than 1,100 virtual runners have raised more than $400,000 for local and national nonprofits for this year’s event -- and they hope to raise even more money by May 31.
In a video posted to social media March 17, organizers said the marathon and all connected events were cancelled. They said it was the right decision in terms of the health of everyone who runs, watches and takes part in the events.
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