It’s marathon day in the city of Pittsburgh.
With an official time time of 2:13:46, American runner Fikadu Girma Teferi won the 2018 Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon.
Teferi, who drew even with second-place finisher Kipkoech Ruto (2:13:51) at the 20-mile mark before pulling away for good at the 24-mile marker, improved on his third-place finish of 2:16:51 in the 2017 Pittsburgh Marathon and set the best mark at the event since 2013. Kimutai Cheruiyot finished third with a time of 2:14:56
In her first marathon, American runner Sydney Devore won the women's marathon with a time of 2:32:38. Her mark was the highest in the women's race since 2014. Susan Jerotich finished second with a time of 2:34:18, followed by Sinke Biyadgilign with a time of 2:35:45.
About 40,000 runners and 250,000 spectators were expected to attend the Pittsburgh Marathon and a myriad of other related events over the weekend. Here’s a recap of what unfolded across the city on race day.
2:15 p.m.: A final word from UPMC
The Pittsburgh Marathon medical team, sponsored by UPMC Sports Medicine and UPMC Emergency Medicine, treated a total of 139 runners Sunday at the finish line medical tent and 18 medical aid stations along the course.
In addition, 22 people were transported to local hospitals.
According to the UPMC statement, "The majority of patients at both the tent and course aid stations were treated for common conditions such as dehydration, cramps and temperature-related conditions. The race started under a green flag and remained green throughout the day."
That’s a wrap! #PGHMarathon final medical update: A total of 139 @PGHMarathon runners were treated, and 22 were transported to local hospitals. Dr. Ron Roth sums up the day. pic.twitter.com/4tEeSEX1o5
— UPMC (@UPMCnews) May 6, 2018
12:30 p.m.: Update from the medical tent
#PGHMarathon medical update: As of 12:30 p.m., 131 @PGHMarathon runners have been treated, and 24 have been transported to local hospitals.
— UPMC (@UPMCnews) May 6, 2018
10:30 a.m.: A special moment
Danny Chew and Attila Domos share a moment after the race. For Mr. Chew, it was his first significant one since being paralyzed from the waist down in September 2016. Staff writer Sean D. Hamill has more on their journey to race day.
Attila Domos congratulates Danny Chew on his finish in 3:09. The student now mentoring his mentor. #RunnersOfSteel @PittsburghPG pic.twitter.com/4b301evJuy
— Sean D. Hamill (@SeanDHamill) May 6, 2018
10:05 a.m.: Sprains, strains and cramping
As of 10 a.m., 45 runners have been treated at medical aid stations, and six have been transported to hospitals. “We’re seeing a lot of strains and sprains. A little bit of dehydration,” Dr. Aaron Mares of UPMC said. There also have been reports of some heat illnesses, which is “atypical” for the cooler weather, he added.
#PGHMarathon medical update: As of 10 a.m., 45 @PGHMarathon runners have been treated, and six have been transported to local hospitals. Dr. Aaron Mares discusses. pic.twitter.com/CzzO9pECpD
— UPMC (@UPMCnews) May 6, 2018
A few minutes after 10 a.m.: Sydney Devore wins women’s full marathon
American runner Sydney Devore won the women’s full marathon -— her first ever — with a time of 2:32:38. She was followed by Susan Jerotich (2:34:18) and Sinke Biyadgilign (2:35:45).
With an official time of 2:32:38, American runner Sydney Devore (middle) wins the women's full marathon. This is Devore's first full marathon, ever. Pictured here with 2nd place Susan Jerotich (right, 2:34:18) and 3rd place Sinke Biyadgilign (2:35:45). pic.twitter.com/tPnbOI1nr5
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) May 6, 2018
Here's women's full marathon winner Sydney Devore with her crown and medal. She's from Lakeland, Florida, but her dad is from Chester, West Virginia — about 40 miles west of Pittsburgh. She had family in attendance to watch her win her first marathon. pic.twitter.com/YtbrZn7iUx
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) May 6, 2018
10 a.m.: ‘Nice legs!’
Aid station manager Denise Gray knows how to spread encouragement -— and compliments.
Aid Station manager Denise Gray screams, "Looking good marathoners! Nice legs!" as she encourages runners through the last hurdle at the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. #10yearsrunning #RunnerOfSteel @PGVisuals @PittsburghPG pic.twitter.com/zKmirCBvAk
— Antonella Crescimbeni (@AntonellaCres) May 6, 2018
Moments before 10 a.m.: ‘Great job! Double-fist it.’
As runners cross the finish line they’re greeted by cups of Gatorade, bananas, medals and lots of smiles.
The finish line at @PGHMarathon is Bobby Boucher’s worst nightmare— ppl double fisting Gatorade. #Waterboy #RunnerofSteel @PGVisuals pic.twitter.com/DwzpkgdcUp
— Stephanie Strasburg (@StephStrasburg) May 6, 2018
15-yr-old Mariah Jones volunteered with her track team to hand out medals at @PGHMarathon. “I’m a runner. Watching all these people, it’s really inspiring. I mean, I’ll never forget it.” #RunnerofSteel @PGVisuals @PittsburghPG pic.twitter.com/TWIDZP5np9
— Stephanie Strasburg (@StephStrasburg) May 6, 2018
It’s bananas at @PGHMarathon #10yearsrunning pic.twitter.com/CYmp3KjqTu
— Sharon Eberson (@SEberson_pg) May 6, 2018
9:30 a.m. Fikadu Girma Teferi wins full marathon
He completed the men’s division with a time of 2:13:46.20, the best finish since 2013. He was followed by Kipkoech Ruto and Kimutai Cheruiyot with times of 2:13:51 and 2:14:56, respectively.
Here's the full marathon finish. Fikadu Girma Teferi (#4) finishes in 1st place. Awaiting an official time, but appeared to be in the 2:13 range pic.twitter.com/NZRcMEkoI6
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) May 6, 2018
Men's full marathon winner Fikadu Girma Teferi (middle) finished with an official time of 2:13:46.20. Best finish since 2013. Second place finisher Kipkoech Ruto (right, 2:13:51) and third place finisher Kimutai Cheruiyot (left, 2:14:56) pictured here. pic.twitter.com/1nEnKNYRj7
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) May 6, 2018
9:10 a.m.: Medical update: ‘So far so good’
The cooler weather has made it a fairly quiet day at medical aid stations. As of 9 a.m., 11 runners had been treated, and two were transported to hospitals. It’s “so far so good,” Dr. Ron Roth of UPMC said.
#PGHMarathon medical update: As of 9 a.m., 11 @PGHMarathon runners have been treated, and two have been transported to local hospitals. Dr. Ron Roth discusses. pic.twitter.com/C15nKdbL87
— UPMC (@UPMCnews) May 6, 2018
9:05 a.m.: ‘Unleash your inner Yinzer power’
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Eddy Jones.
Eddy Jones of the North Side cheers on runners in Shadyside with his unique “Yinzer” sign. #RunnersOfSteel @PittsburghPG pic.twitter.com/ytRCNSZgxO
— Sean D. Hamill (@SeanDHamill) May 6, 2018
8:50 a.m.: Snack time!
Volunteers in Homewood have been passing out fruit and Gatorade to runners throughout the morning. They’re firing up the grill, too.
Oakmont’s Tatum Grimes, 10, hoping to serve his first Gatorade customer, Homewood. #10YearsRunning #RunnersOfSteel pic.twitter.com/m7AUshAKTR
— Bob Batz Jr. (@bobbatzjr) May 6, 2018
Joy, Homewood. Joy McCall. She’s 89. #10YearsRunning #RunnersOfSteel pic.twitter.com/3cINi2D5Rv
— Bob Batz Jr. (@bobbatzjr) May 6, 2018
Rae Powell gets fired up, Homewood. #10YearsRunning #RunnersOfSteel pic.twitter.com/07kHruJSlC
— Bob Batz Jr. (@bobbatzjr) May 6, 2018
Warning to runners: Be careful what you grab, though. Not everything is edible.
Not snacks, Homewood aid station. #10YearsRunning #RunnersOfSteel pic.twitter.com/gOsvjZB9yp
— Bob Batz Jr. (@bobbatzjr) May 6, 2018
8:30 a.m.: Scenes from the handcycling division
World-renowned long-distance cyclist Danny Chew hopes to complete the race in under three hours. The Pittsburgh Marathon marks his first significant race since he was paralyzed from the chest down in a biking accident in September 2016.
Danny Chew tackles the Birmingham Bridge, still on target to reach his goal of 3 hours. #RunnersOfSteel @PittsburghPG pic.twitter.com/WeKIXT8nGM
— Sean D. Hamill (@SeanDHamill) May 6, 2018
Pittsburgh’s Danny Chew heads down Carson Street to the challenge of the Birmingham Bridge #RunnersOfSteel @PittsburghPG pic.twitter.com/CwhfOrCYs2
— Sean D. Hamill (@SeanDHamill) May 6, 2018
8:28 a.m.: Aliphine Tuliamuk wins USATF women’s half marathon
She crossed the finish line with a time of 1:10:04, followed by Sara Hall. PG staff writer Sarah K. Spencer has more on this race.
Aliphine Tuliamuk, wins the USATF Half Marathon National Championship during the 2018 @PGHMarathon with a time of 1:10:04. Sara Hall finished second. pic.twitter.com/SGmWVrTlr4
— Andrew Rush (@andrewrush) May 6, 2018
8:25 a.m.: More than half way there
Passed the 15-mile mark. We're in Shadyside, an hour, 16 minutes and 41 seconds into the full marathon. Back up to eight runners in front pic.twitter.com/ljNFjBuUsq
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) May 6, 2018
8:10 a.m.: Chris Derrick wins USATF half marathon
He crossed the finish line with a time of 1:02:36, greeted by Charlie Batch. PG staff writer Sarah K. Spencer has more on this race.
Chris Derrick wins the USATF Half Marathon National Championship during the 2018 @PGHMarathon with a time of 1:02:36 @CDerrickRun pic.twitter.com/peDY9q6Ktw
— Andrew Rush (@andrewrush) May 6, 2018
8:03 a.m.: At the front of the pack
The full marathon is 11 miles in. Eight runners have been leading the pack for the last four miles.
55 minutes and 42 seconds into the full marathon, we just passed the 11 mile marker. Exiting Southside Slopes pic.twitter.com/zIIQsxoMKD
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) May 6, 2018
8 a.m.: ‘Star Wars’ sighting
A clever costume is one way to keep runners motivated (and amused) along the course.
Stormtrooper Dan Eeltz of Pitcairn guards the Birmingham Bridge to surprise a friend who is running today. #Runnerofsttel @PittsburghPG pic.twitter.com/KOSOKoyGlo
— Sean D. Hamill (@SeanDHamill) May 6, 2018
Moments before 8 a.m.: Readying for runners in Homewood
Volunteer, two years running. Thiry Horton, Homewood. #10YearsRunning #RunnersOfSteel pic.twitter.com/FoimNObGFY
— Bob Batz Jr. (@bobbatzjr) May 6, 2018
“Good morning, Homewood! Let’s make some noise!” DJ Nick Nice. #10YearsRunning #RunnersOfSteel pic.twitter.com/yeuVE0sW5S
— Bob Batz Jr. (@bobbatzjr) May 6, 2018
1st time volunteer Yvonne Dyer poses for a portrait with her two sons, Tae Vaughn Smith and William Lewis JR, who have been here since 6 a.m. getting things ready for runners in Homewood. "We're all for the community, we're here to help," Dyer says.#10yearsrunning #RunnerOfSteel pic.twitter.com/S0ulID8reW
— Antonella Crescimbeni (@AntonellaCres) May 6, 2018
A PG photographer was spotted, too.
In Homewood, @AntonellaCres hard at work. #10YearsRunning #RunnersOfSteel pic.twitter.com/nZYKDMFCET
— Bob Batz Jr. (@bobbatzjr) May 6, 2018
7:45 a.m.: Bring on the music
Pop-up musical performances across the city have become a beloved Pittsburgh Marathon tradition.
James Buckley and Donna Occhipinti warm up along Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield. The duo has performing for Pittsburgh Marathon for several years. pic.twitter.com/ACVCYUHdSg
— Nathan (@guidry_vietnam) May 6, 2018
7:40 a.m.: Four-legged fans
Who says only people can cheer on the runners of steel?
Supporting @PGHMarathon runner Rebecca Miller: sister Michelle Miller and Tommy Antle of Cecil with furry friends #10yearsrunning #RiverofSteel pic.twitter.com/lLZZam5JpU
— Sharon Eberson (@SEberson_pg) May 6, 2018
7:30 a.m.: Meanwhile, at the finish line
Event organizers make sure the finish line is ready to greet runners.
Green lights ahead during sound check at @PGHMarathon finish line #10yearsrunning #RiverofSteel pic.twitter.com/YG2Mot7A2n
— Sharon Eberson (@SEberson_pg) May 6, 2018
When you’re looking back at @PGHMarathon finish line: A sight for happy feet (or feat!) #RiverofSteel pic.twitter.com/00zIyc2uoh
— Sharon Eberson (@SEberson_pg) May 6, 2018
7:15 a.m.: And they’re off!
The full and half marathon races got underway shortly after 7 a.m.
The start of the 2018 @PGHMarathon pic.twitter.com/qIovtStKWN
— Andrew Rush (@andrewrush) May 6, 2018
The full marathon has begun. #10YearsRunning pic.twitter.com/19ByB9lpG8
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) May 6, 2018
Half marathon of the @PGHMarathon has started 🏃♀️🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/v8024eAvvL
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) May 6, 2018
READ MORE: Complete Pittsburgh Marathon coverage
7:05 a.m.: A comfortable day -— for runners
Meteorologist John Darnley with the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh said the temperature is a comfortable -- for runners -- at 53 degrees when the starting gun is fired.
The mercury will climb to a high of 58 degrees during the marathon. The high for the day will hit about 62 degrees but that won't be until about 3 p.m., he said.
As for rain, the misting that preceded the start of the race could turn into a light rain between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
#RiverofSteel It’s cool and humid @PGHmarathon. Stay safe runners! #UPMC assistance is there if you need it. https://t.co/e9ggd49W2E
— Sharon Eberson (@SEberson_pg) May 6, 2018
7 a.m.: Getting in those final stretches
The elite runners are officially off and running in the Pittsburgh Marathon over Pittsburgh’s 3 rivers, gold bridges, and crazy hills. The neighborhoods await. #RunnerofSteel #10YearsRunning @PGVisuals @PittsburghPG pic.twitter.com/gnZCdttYoy
— Stephanie Strasburg (@StephStrasburg) May 6, 2018
6:55 a.m.: Road closure alert
Thousands of runners are expected to take part in today's marathon, which kicks off at 7 a.m.
For those with plans that don't include running, here's how to navigate around the marathon route.
Roads are shut down and trucks getting ready to go for the Pittsburgh Marathon and half marathon #RunnerofSteel pic.twitter.com/fjBDBacr9z
— Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) May 6, 2018
First Published: May 6, 2018, 11:05 a.m.