We have so many great routes for running and cycling throughout the city, places to meet up with other athletes who want to train together, and excellent restaurants where they can refuel. For out-of-town athletes, there are a number of great hotels with access to all of these spots!
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Go on a Run
A few of my favorite running paths go right through the city. I’m looking forward to getting back into town on a regular basis and hitting my go-to course. It starts at Point State Park. I love to run down the Monongahela side, circle around the fountain, and come up the Allegheny side, continuing down the trail to the Roberto Clemente Bridge.
Crossing the bridge and looping down onto the “Three Rivers Heritage” trail will let you run past PNC Park, Acrisure Stadium Field, and the Carnegie Science Center. I find the stretch of trail past the Science Center super relaxing. The river is on your left, there are lots of trees and shade, and you can take it all the way up to the old State Prison in the Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood. Honestly, the prison is a little creepy, so it also makes for a great fall route right around Halloween!
Go on a Bike Ride
When cycling, I love to jump on the Great Allegheny Passage. Sure, it’s not as challenging some of the climbs through Troy Hill, or other Pittsburgh neighborhoods, but it’s a great path to log miles with friends, avoid traffic on the roads, and even take a break for lunch. I typically hop on in the Southside, near the Hot Metal Bridge, and take the trail into McKeesport. I always love going past the Sandcastle water park, through the Waterfront, and by “The Phantom’s Revenge” roller coaster at Kennywood. When riding with friends, we’ll stop on the way back into the city at Primanti Brothers or El Campesino, in the Waterfront for lunch and an IC Light!
If we don’t stop for lunch, we’ll head back to the Southside and ride up and down 18th Street. This is one of my favorite hills to ride up and come back down. It’s also conveniently located near “Over the Bar” (aka OTB), a staple watering hole and restaurant for local cyclists and triathletes.
Off to the Races
Aside from being a great city to train in, Pittsburgh is an awesome city to race in. Racing in our city is perhaps the thing I am most eager to rediscover!
Triathletes can race Sprint, Olympic, or Half Iron distance races at Moraine State Park (just north). Runners will find that foot races, such as P3R’s “EQT 10 Miler” and the “Pittsburgh Marathon,” are some of the best in the country.
As of now, the EQT 10 Miler is on for the fall! It is one of my all-time favorites because it starts in Station Square. This year, I’m planning to make a weekend of it by staying at the Sheraton Station Square, hitting up a few local restaurants the night before, and rolling out of bed for race day a few hundred yards from the start line!
Health Conscious Travel
For those traveling to the city from out of town, the Fairmont has an amazing fitness center that rivals any gym, and excellent restaurant that offers a number of healthy meals for refueling. The EVEN Hotel caters to the health-conscious traveler and athlete as well. They serve nutritious food, have a state-of-the-art fitness center, and even provide exercise equipment in every guest room! If you’re looking to meet other health conscious travelers on your trip, EVEN is definitely the place to stay! As a bonus, all our downtown hotels are within walking distance of POGOH bike rentals!
Download the Pittsburgh Official Visitors Guide and start Rediscovering Pittsburgh!
Whether you’re planning to visit the city to do some training, tackle one of our world class races, or just want to enjoy the outdoor activities Pittsburgh has to offer, take advantage of one or our awesome hotels. I love sharing we love seeing new faces on the trail! Tag me on Instagram at @Coach.KenP to share your Pittsburgh adventures!
