Defending Champion Jane Bareikis and U.S. Olympian Jared Ward Lead Elite Field for 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon
Bareikis chases a historic three-peat as Ward returns to Pittsburgh to headline men’s field
PITTSBURGH – Two-time defending champion Jane Bareikis and U.S. Olympian Jared Ward headline a competitive professional field at the 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, set for Sunday, May 3. More than 50,000 participants are expected to take part in Pittsburgh’s largest weekend of movement.
Bareikis returns to Pittsburgh aiming for a historic third consecutive title after back-to-back victories in 2024 and 2025. With a personal best of 2:29:00, she enters the race as one of the top American contenders and will look to make history as the first woman to win the event three times. She will be joined in the women’s field by a competitive group of contenders, including Morgan Jensen (2:35:41), Amy Tortorello (2:44:00), and Holly Benner (2:46:12), all bringing impressive credentials and depth to the race.
On the men’s side, Ward returns to Pittsburgh after a third-place finish at the 2022 UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon. The 2016 U.S. Olympian brings international experience to a deep field that includes Milton Rotich, runner-up at the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon (2:14:43), and Ian Carter, who placed third last year (2:18:33). Local standout Will Loevner, the 2024 runner-up, also returns to compete on home streets.
“I have been showing pictures of the beautiful city of Pittsburgh to my family all week,” Ward said. “I love this city. I spent formative years of my life here. I’ve raced here. And, after thinking I had retired, I’m excited to kick off my second professional running career, building towards the 2028 LA trials and games, racing a marathon alongside an international field in the Steel City.”
The 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon will feature a total prize purse of $102,000, with $7,000 awarded to each marathon champion. For more information about the 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events, visit www.ThePittsburghMarathon.com.
About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events
The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts more than 50,000 runners. Read more at: ThePittsburghMarathon.com
About P3R
P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming - including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more - that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.