Running in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is a hidden gem for runners who love a challenge. The city's three rivers provide flat trail running along scenic waterfront paths, while the famously hilly neighborhoods build serious strength and grit. The Great Allegheny Passage connects Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. via a 150-mile rail-trail. The Pittsburgh Marathon is a beloved local event, and the running community is supportive, tight-knit, and proud of their tough terrain.
Best Seasons
Spring and Fall
Terrain
Pittsburgh is extremely hilly, with steep neighborhood climbs throughout the city
Top Race
Pittsburgh Marathon
Country
US
Climate and Weather
Pittsburgh has four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid in the 80s. Winters are cold with temperatures in the 30s and frequent gray, overcast skies. Spring and fall are ideal for running, with temperatures in the 50s to 70s. Pittsburgh gets significant rainfall throughout the year and occasional snow in winter.
Terrain and Landscape
Pittsburgh is extremely hilly, with steep neighborhood climbs throughout the city. The river trails are flat and paved, providing relief from the hills. Schenley Park and Frick Park offer moderate rolling terrain on both paved and dirt surfaces. Expect serious elevation change on any neighborhood run.
Top Running Routes
Three Rivers Heritage Trail
24 milesEasyA flat, paved trail system along the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. The trail connects multiple neighborhoods and passes through riverfront parks. Sections on both the north and south shores offer skyline and bridge views.
Schenley Park Trails
3 to 6 milesModerateA mix of paved roads and dirt trails through one of Pittsburgh's most beautiful parks. The park has rolling hills, wooded trails, and connects to the Panther Hollow area. Popular with runners from Oakland and Squirrel Hill.
Great Allegheny Passage
150 milesEasyA crushed gravel rail-trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Most runners use the first 10 to 20 miles from the Point through the south hills. Flat and scenic, it is perfect for long training runs.
North Shore Trail
5 milesEasyA paved path along the north bank of the Allegheny River, passing PNC Park and Heinz Field. The trail offers stunning views of the downtown skyline and is well-lit for evening runs.
Frick Park Trails
4 to 7 milesModerateA network of dirt trails through Pittsburgh's largest park. The trails wind through forests, over streams, and along steep ravines. The best trail running option within city limits.
Popular Races
Pittsburgh Marathon
Pittsburgh's premier race with a challenging, hilly course through downtown, the North Shore, and surrounding neighborhoods. The half marathon course crosses multiple bridges with incredible river views.
EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler
A fall race through the streets of Pittsburgh that has been a local tradition for over 50 years. The course is hilly but the community support is strong throughout.
Great Race 10K
A point-to-point race from Squirrel Hill to Point State Park through Schenley Park. The mostly downhill course is fast and the finish at The Point is memorable.
Running Culture
Pittsburgh has a proud, blue-collar running culture. Steel City Road Runners is the backbone of the community, organizing group runs and social events. The Pittsburgh Marathon in May is a citywide celebration. The hilly terrain builds tough runners, and there is a sense of camaraderie among people who train on these challenging streets. Fleet Feet Pittsburgh and local running stores host regular group runs across the city.
Local Runner Tips
The North Shore Trail is the best flat, scenic option for easy runs
Schenley Park and Frick Park offer the best trail running in the city
Embrace the hills since they build incredible running strength
Join Steel City Road Runners or Fleet Feet Pittsburgh for group runs
Safety Tips
Watch your footing on steep sidewalks and neighborhood roads
Be visible on river trails during overcast days and early morning runs
Carry a phone on isolated sections of Frick Park trails
Be cautious of icy sidewalks and paths during Pittsburgh winters
Stay aware of traffic on bridge crossings where space is limited
Make Running in Pittsburgh a Game
Pittsburgh's three rivers and hilly neighborhoods create a unique Motera territory map. Capture the flat river trails, then push up into steep neighborhoods like Mount Washington, Polish Hill, and Lawrenceville. Every hill you climb earns territory that flat-city runners can only dream about. The tight-knit running community means meaningful leaderboard competition.
Download Motera Free
MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best running route in Pittsburgh?
The Three Rivers Heritage Trail offers 24 miles of flat, paved waterfront running. The North Shore section has the best skyline views. For trail running, Frick Park provides 7 miles of forested trails within the city.
Is Pittsburgh too hilly for running?
Pittsburgh is very hilly, but the river trails offer flat alternatives. Many runners embrace the hills for strength building. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Great Allegheny Passage are both flat and scenic.
When is the Pittsburgh Marathon?
The Pittsburgh Marathon takes place in May each year. The challenging, hilly course runs through downtown, across bridges, and through multiple neighborhoods. The half marathon is especially popular.
What running clubs are in Pittsburgh?
Steel City Road Runners is the main club, with group runs and social events. Fleet Feet Pittsburgh hosts training programs, and various neighborhood groups meet throughout the week.
Is the Great Allegheny Passage good for running?
Yes, the Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile crushed gravel rail-trail that starts in Pittsburgh. The first 20 miles are popular for long training runs, offering flat terrain and scenic riverside views.
Explore Nearby Cities
More from Motera
What's Your Runner Type?
Take our free personality quiz to discover your running style
GPS Art Route Planner
Draw shapes on a map and generate runnable routes
Running Guides by State
Explore our state-by-state running guides across America
App Comparisons
Compare top running apps side by side and find your perfect fit
