Weather conditions fail to dampen enthusiasm of Pittsburgh Marathon runners

Sunday morning was all about testing limits and inspiring others — one step at a time — at the 2024 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.

Karen Losego, 39, of Mt. Lebanon was in tears after finishing her first half marathon.

“I’ve just always really hated running and I just wanted to show myself I could do it,” she said.

Losego said she realized many participants started running at younger ages, but “it’s never too late.”

The weekend of events — which culminates in the marathon but also includes a half marathon, toddler trot, 5K, kids marathon, and handcycle division — this year drew about 42,000 participants from 50 states and 24 countries, according to P3R, the Pittsburgh-based organization that hosts the annual events. Participants range in age from 5 months to 87 years.

Andrew Bowman, 30, of suburban Detroit won the men’s division of the marathon in 2:15:50, while Chicago’s Jane Bareikis, 29, like Bowman making her Pittsburgh Marathon debut, was the top women’s finisher in a time of 2:37:37.

P3R estimated about 300,000 spectators lined the 26.2-mile course in support.

Pittsburgh Public Safety said there were no major incidents at the marathon and that 154 people were treated at medical aid stations along the course and at the finish line. Eighteen people were transported to a hospital for issues including, fainting, dehydration and overheating. Thirty-six ambulances were on standby for the event.

A light, cool rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of Angeline and Stephen Buczkowski of Plum, a husband-and-wife pair.

Angeline, 37, said she runs to stay fit and to inspire others after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago. She said she was grateful for the community that has rallied to support her, including the Inner Warrior Running Group, as she runs and raises funds for multiple sclerosis awareness and research.

“I just want to do it to inspire other people to do what they can,” Angeline Buczkowski said ahead of Sunday’s marathon, the Buczkowskis’ second in as many years. “Start small. Do what you can and listen to your body.”

The Buczkowskis start training early, in part because Angeline’s multiple sclerosis means it “takes me a little longer to build up the miles and the strength.” The pair began training for Sunday’s run about seven months ago.

“It’s an amazing experience overall,” Stephen Buczkowski said.

Larry Gioia, 41, of Hampton said he appreciated the support of throngs of spectators cheering runners like him along.

“It feels great,” he said after crossing the finish line. “It’s a beautiful day in Pittsburgh.”

Swift inspiration

Emily Carbaugh, 23, of Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood said she felt “much better” after finishing the half marathon this year than she did after her first time last year. She credited the good experience to lots of consistent training and the morale boost she got from listening to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour setlist as she ran.

Plus, the thousands of people cheering and holding signs of encouragement motivated her to keep going, Carbaugh said.

“It really just keeps you going, seeing all the signs,” she said. “It keeps you so motivated.”

For Christian Dresser, 31, of Jefferson Hills, who was running his first half marathon, Sunday marked the culmination of about three years of serious training — and years of focusing on fitness.

“I’ve always been into fitness and competition,” he said, adding that he was also drawn to running because it allowed him to enjoy the outdoors.

But the best part of the Pittsburgh Marathon, Dresser said, is the camaraderie with fellow runners.

“The community, that’s a big part of it,” he said. “It brings a lot of demographics together.”

Holly Montanari of Wexford watched the half marathon with Gup, her pug. They cheered on Dave, Nick and MaryJane, Montanari’s husband and kids, as they ran through Downtown Pittsburgh.

“It’s been fun,” Montanari said. “We’re having a good family day.”

$1.5 million raised

The annual event has raised about $16.5 million for charity since 2009, including about $1.5 million raised this year.

Lucy Fleck of Kennedy Township was cheering on her dad and siblings — Alice, Andy and Todd — as the frequent runners in her family completed the half marathon.

The day, Lucy Fleck said, was “amazing,” despite on-and-off rain.

Ali Neumann of Apollo joined throngs of supporters to watch her husband, Gregory, run his first half marathon.

After months of watching her husband train — often running with Brookie, their dog — she said it was exciting to cheer him on for the big race.

Neumann said she was “chasing him around,” trying to find spots along the course to see him run by.

“It’s lots of fun,” she said.

David Soltesz, 24, of Delmont participated for the first time in this year’s half marathon. He used to run cross country at the University of Pittsburgh’s Johnstown campus while in college but decided he needed a new running goal after graduating.

“I like to test the limits of my body,” he said.

Soltesz said he was glad the event drew such a large crowd.

“I’m excited to run,” he said ahead of the race. “It’s a fun atmosphere to get into.”

Keirstyn Marucci, 30, of Mt. Lebanon ran the Pittsburgh marathon for the eighth time Sunday. Her favorite part of running, she said, is doing it with friends. She said she trains year-round, focusing on running, strength training and good nutrition to stay in shape for the event.

Marucci said she would encourage others to also try to take on a challenge like a marathon.

“It just takes one mile to start,” she said.