Run Around the Square

August 28, 2010

History And FAQ

Run Around the Square, which had a modest beginning in 1982, has grown over the years to become one of Western Pennsylvania’s largest 5K races.

In the 1980’s, the Regent Square community organized an end of summer event called, Regent Square Days.  Frick Park’s Fern Hollow was the site of this fun-filled day. Organizers thought a Fun Run would be a nice addition to the events. Nine brave souls were willing to run that original course up Falls Ravine Trail, to North Clayton Trail and back down Forbes to the Richmond street park. Big things have small beginnings and this competition was no exception - Run Around the Square was out of the starting blocks and well on its way.

Quickly the race picked up speed, attracted hundreds of participants and became a 5 mile race with an addition of a 2 mile Fun Run for those wanting more fun than competition. The 5 Mile race still had its registration site in Fern Hollow, but the course started on the corner of Lancaster and Hutchinson Avenues.  The Race wound its way for 2.5 miles through the streets of Regent Square and proceeded through the trails of Frick Park towards the finish line still used today in Fern Hollow.

In 1998, the race course was shortened from 5 miles to 3.1 miles. The number of runners increased greatly, and the 2.5 miles through the narrow streets and numerous sharp turns, no longer accommodated the large crowd. The new 5K (3.1 mile) course started on Milton Avenue, via Trevanion to Lancaster, the course was now able to accommodate the growing number of runners.   The Fun Run was also changed from a 2 mile to a 1.5 mile race along a similar route. The biggest addition came with the entry of dogs. Friendly, walking, leashed dogs were able to participate in the 1.5 Fun Run.

Run Around the Square is built on community spirit with a festive atmosphere, musician lined course and the backing of the locally owned businesses in “the Square”. Through the years, the changes the race has gone through have helped it evolve into one of the largest 5K races in the region and the most beloved event of the people of Regent Square.

History of Run Around the Square Contributed by: Carol Cusick and Michele Megarry-Acord

Run Around the Square

7604 Charleston Ave

Swissvale, PA 15218

To contact us:

Phone: (412) 246 9506

E-mail: Runaroundthesquare@yahoo.com

History

FAQ

Q: Will I be able to register the day of the race?
A: THERE WILL BE NO REGISTRATION THE DAY OF THE RACE.

Q: How do I register for Run Around the Square?
A: You, your children, and your dog can all register from this website! Just click HERE . Please note no dogs are allowed in the 5K.
 
Q: I'm from out of town, where is a good place to stay while I am in Pittsburgh for the Run?
A:  www.visitpittsburgh.com has information about places to stay in Pittsburgh.

Q: What time do the races start?
A: The 5k starts at 9:00 a.m. and the 1.5 mile starts at 8:15 a.m. with a delay of 5 minutes for the dogs

Q: Where and when do I pick up my chip and packet for the race?
A:  Packet pick up will be held August 26th-27st from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm at Wilkins School Community Center. Runners can also pick up their packet on race day from 7am to 8:45 am. Timing chips will be available at the same time as packet pick-up.


Q: How do I become a volunteer for the race?
A: Just email us at runaroundthesquare@yahoo.com. We are always looking for volunteers to help out before, during or after the race. For more information, please see our volunteer webpage.

Other Important Links

Map of the race

Paper Application

RegentSquare.com

 

Board of Directors and Contact Us