16 running and walking events in McCandless, Pennsylvania

Be a Part of History

The winter's first big race is back for its 50th incredible year. The Spring Thaw is the longest continuously run race in Pennsylvania, and you get to be a part of that history when you participate in its 50th running on February 28, 2026.

The Spring Thaw starts and finishes at North Park's iconic boathouse and follows counterclockwise loops around the lake with 5, 10, 15, and 20 mile race options. This race is a great training/test event for the 2026 Pittsburgh Marathon or any other spring race!

Race Start - all distances - 10:00am. Course closes at 2pm.

We are proud to continue to support 412 Food Rescue. CLICK HERE for full details on how to help support their mission.

Everyone is Irish for St. Patrick's Day!

**Please note that the location for this race is NORTH PARK - we were unable to keep our location in Graham Park and appreciate your flexiblity!

Join the party on this flat & fast 5K, 1 mile and kids' dash that’s perfect for runners and families alike. Dress in your best green or festive costume, bring your crew, and have some fun.

Don't miss out on this runnin' and wearin' of the green!

Founded in 2001 to honor Sean T. Smith, who lost his battle with leukemia in 1995, Just A Short Run has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to benefit local charities working to eradicate leukemia and blood-borne cancers.

In 2025, we recommitted to Sean's legacy, launching a partnership with Cancer Bridges to help people diagnosed with cancer and their families and to support networks that help them navigate their cancer journey. In 2026, we are proud to continue this partnership!

Race founder, Kevin Smith (brother of Sean), along with the GCXC Race Timing Team, running friends and family from the former Elite Runners & Walkers run shop, along with a small army of volunteers from local youth groups, will help transform North Park into the course(s) for Just A Short Run. Back in its prime spot on the fourth Saturday in March, Just A Short Run is the perfect event to test your fitness or as your goal race. With distances of 5K, 8.1 Miles, 1/2 Marathon & 30K, this event will be your perfect spring marathon tune-up event and regularly draws runners from 30-40 states hoping to prepare for Pittsburgh's hilly terrain.

No matter why you run, this race is about much more than the run. The Just a Short Run community is vibrant, generous, and strong. If you're already a part of it, welcome back. If you're new, we can't wait to share the miles with you.

Race Start: 8:30am

Course limit: 4hours

This is a family friendly endurance event for rucking, running, or walking. The event raises money for Folds of Honor Western PA. https://westernpa.foldsofhonor.org/

Ruckers, Runners, walkers and families are welcome to do a single 4.7 mile loop or as many loops as possible. Some participants will take on multiple loops over the course of 4 or 6 or 8 hours and a few athletes will stay on course for a full 12 hours. All loops are ended with excitement and encouragement to see how far people will push together for a great cause. The official rucking guideline is a weighted backpack with 30# for men and 20# for women. Those doing the single loop are encouraged to challenge themselves and ruck, run, or walk. Those wishing to do less than official weight or no weight can still complete as many laps as possible if registering for the Multi-loop event price. Limited registration may be available the day of the event on site, subject to the race director on site on April 11th. Tshirts, swag and door prizes guaranteed for the first 100 sign-ups. A limited number of sweatshirts will be available for sale. Spectators and donations are welcome at the

event.

This years 100 mile relay will be held on May 16, 2026. Once registration closes, a list of starting times will be sent out so participants can see what time they will run.

The Vision

Miles2Meals was created to fight hunger in our local community. By coming together as a community in a fun way, we can give back to our own areas and combat local issues.

How It Works

Obviously an unusual race format will come with some confusion in regards to sign ups. Here's how it works...

1. You register for the race individually, submitting your prospective mile time and indicating what time of day you are available to run.

2. Teams will run in the same group of 100 people, but will run consecutively, allowing friends/family members to stay together. You may request to be near certain participants and we will accommodate the best we can.

3. Once 200 runners have registered, registration will close and two teams of 100 runners each will be compiled. A waiting list of participants over 200 will be compiled and consecutive teams of 100 people will be created if registration reaches such numbers.

4. An email will be sent to all runners indicating their place in line and the approximate time of day that they will be slated to run their mile.

5. Runners are welcome to come and go as they please, but they should be at the North Allegheny Intermediate High School track a little bit in advance of their scheduled time so that they do not miss the handoff.

6. Results will be live-streamed so you can keep track of the race’s progress and know when to be at the track.

7. Upon arrival at the track, you should pick up your bib number and shirt (if you ordered one) and await your turn with the baton.

8. Once you receive the baton, you run four laps and hand it off to the next person in line.

9. When runner #100 crosses the finish line, the baton will have traveled a full 100 miles and the team’s total time will be registered.

While the race is going on, you are welcome to partake in any of the various activities and foods that will be available, and you are encouraged to cheer on your teammates.

​Information regarding awards will be communicated closer to the event date.

Memorial Day Remembrance Run is Pittsburgh's best way to start summer right by honoring our fallen neighbors.

🏃 5K, 10K, and 1mi distance options around scenic North Park Lake

🍦 a special early open and giveback from our friends at Millie's Homemade Icecream

🪖 special honor guard ceremony with the PA022 AFJROTC unit from North Allegheny High School

We're proud to continue our partnership with the Veterans Leadership Program, a local organization dedicated to helping veterans navigate the transitions of life.

RACE START TIMES

• 9:00 am - 5K and 10K

• 9:05 am - 1 Mile Walk

The South Ridge Trail Challenge is the region's premier early summer trail race and the only ultramarathon in North Park. Located on the South Ridge of North Park in Allegheny County, it offers a spectacular array of trails for runners and hikers of all abilities:

• a 5K for everyone, hikers welcome!

• a steady 10K for those looking for a little more climb, hikers also welcome!

• challenge yourself with two loops of the 10K course and (just about) complete 20K (just about a 1/2 marathon)

• a day-long party 50K relay- 5 10K loops let you share your vert with friends (relay teams are 2-5 people)

• a truly intrepid 50K - 5 10K loops covering almost 5000ft of vert. gain that will lead you on a journey from confidence to self-doubt and back again, earning you bragging rights as a finisher of the only 50K race in North Park.

All distances start and finish near the historic North Park swimming pool. Runners and walkers will then make their way up, down, and around the South Ridge Plateau, exploring all the beauty of early summer in Western PA.

START TIMES:

• 50K and 50K Relay - 7:30 am

• 5K - 9:00 am

• 20K - 10:30 am

• 10K - 11:00 am

COURSE CUT-OFF:

50K athletes MUST leave the aid station for their final loop by 3:30pm. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Kick off the summer by running through Pittsburgh's scenic North Park, and a fun post race party.

Be The Change 4.12 Miler is brought to you by Operation Impact.

Post Race Celebration:

Why 4.12 Miles instead of a traditional 5K?

Because at Operation Impact we go the extra mile ;),

Plus it's Pittsburgh's Iconic area code.

Options are our 4.12 Mile Race, the untimed family 1 mile in North Park, or join us from your home city with our Virtual Option.

All proceeds go towards supporting educational programming at our main partnership, Urban Impact Foundation as they continue to empower and support youth in the North Side of Pittsburgh.

Want to Partner with us, and have your business promoted? Contact us!

We're celebrating another lap around the sun!

Early bird registration opens on March 11 for the July 4th Bday 5k! Join us at North Park’s Boathouse for a family friendly 5k run/walk, 1-mile run/walk and kid’s dash. We’ll be celebrating two birthdays- America and McCandless!

Not a runner yet? We’re doing a 5k training with Appalachian Running Company starting in May! For more info, visit www.townofmccandless.org.