Everything you need to know before the 2019 Pittsburgh Marathon

PITTSBURGH — Are you lacing up your running shoes to hit the pavement? Some 40,000 people will descend on the region for the 2019 Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.

This is the 11th year for the Marathon, with events all throughout the weekend. We have everything you need to know about getting around the area, where runners can pick up their packets, which streets will be closed, when events start and more.

We'll keep you updated with the winners and continuing coverage of the Marathon events. Look for full coverage on Sunday on WPXI.com.

PACKET PICK UP

Runners can get their informational packets at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center starting Friday at 11:00 a.m.

Click here for more information on packet pick up.

ROAD CLOSURES

Road closures will begin on Boulevard of the Allies starting at noon Friday, May 3. That road will stay closed between Wood and Stanwix Streets through Sunday.

On Saturday, May 4, road closures begin at 7:15 a.m. and continue through noon in the North Side and throughout downtown.

Crews will close roads starting at 1:30 a.m. Sunday downtown, and those will last through 2:30 p.m.

Here are several maps showing how you can get around the city throughout the weekend, including how to get to and from marathon events:

• Getting around downtown

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Race weekend events kick off Friday morning with the GNC Live Well Pittsburgh Health and Fitness Expo at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Running events get underway Saturday morning with the 5K and Toddler Trot starting at 8:00 a.m and 8:30 a.m. respectively.

On Sunday, the handcycle division starts at 6:50 a.m., the USATF Half Marathon Championships (invitation only) starts at 6:55 a.m., and the marathon, half marathon and marathon relay start at 7:05 a.m.

Click here for more information on the weekend’s events.

TRENDING NOW:

RACE COURSES

On Saturday, the 5K race and the Pittsburgh Kids Marathon both start right near PNC Park on the North Shore.  Also Saturday, The Pittsburgh Pet Walk takes place at Point State Park.

For the main event on Sunday, the Marathon takes runners through 26.2 miles of riverfront trails, historic parks, colorful neighborhoods and notable landmarks.

Runners will also pass each Stadium of the three Pittsburgh sports teams: PNC Park for the Pirates, Heinz Field for the Steelers, and PPG Paints Arena for the Penguins.

There are 18 aid stations spread throughout the Marathon course along with fluid stations every 1-2 miles.

Here is more information on the race courses.

PORT AUTHORITY CHANGES

The Port Authority says there will be some service disruptions and extensive changes to bus routes due to the marathon.

Bus will be detoured starting Friday due to the closure of Boulevard of the Allies. On Sunday, there will be special bus service on the East Busway starting just before 4:00 a.m. and about 5:00 a.m. on the West Busway. There will also be two-car light rail trains operating throughout the day Sunday along with a special shuttle bus ferrying people from the Mon Incline in the morning.

Cox Media Group