After spending 2020 as a virtual event, the 2021 Great Allegheny Passage Relay is back to being on the trail that runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Md.
It’s a new course for the 150-mile running relay event that previously went in the opposite direction, starting in Cumberland and ending in Pittsburgh. The race is a two-day event starting on Oct. 15 and ending the next day.
“We cannot wait to bring participants back out on the GAP trail and continue our sustainability efforts with this year’s event,” said Troy Schooley, CEO of P3R, the race organizer. “This event has been carbon neutral for the past two years, and we are continuing to work closely with UPMC Health Plan and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to enhance these efforts each year.”
New this year is a 60-mile, one-day option which teams of two or four can run. The full 150-mile course includes teams of eight, six or four. There are currently 38 teams registered for this year’s event.
“We encourage runners of all fitness levels to join us in having a great time, and to take advantage of the new option to participate,” said Dr. James Schuster, chief medical officer at UPMC Insurance Services Division.
There is still a virtual option for runners that takes place throughout the month of October. It’s called the Ultimate GAP Relay Challenge and consists of new challenges six days a week for four weeks. Participants can complete the challenge on their own schedule. At the end of 24 days and 24 challenges, they receive a medal and shirt for their efforts.
Virtual participants will receive an email each Monday starting Oct. 4 with the week’s new challenges.
Registration for the annual trail race is open at p3r.org/races.
