Runners of all ages raced along the 1-mile and 5K courses, embraced holiday spirit in festive attire, and competed for prizes from GNC and Brooks.
PITTSBURGH – A wave of green swept through Downtown Pittsburgh as nearly 3,000 runners and walkers celebrated the second annual Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash presented by GNC. The family-friendly event gave participants of all ages the chance to run or walk either the 1-mile or 5K course along the city’s historic St. Patrick’s Day parade route, ahead of one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved celebrations.
"The Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash was the perfect way to kick off one of the city’s most cherished traditions,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “Whether participants were racing for a personal best, enjoying time with friends, or chasing down our leprechaun, everyone helped make this year’s event a huge success. We’re excited to continue to grow this into a must-do celebration for years to come."
Participants fully embraced the holiday spirit, sporting festive green attire and taking part in on-course surprises and contests. Runners “caught” by the official P3R Leprechaun earned special prizes redeemable at the GNC tent in Market Square, while a costume contest rewarded winners with GNC gift cards. Every participant also received a Brooks Lucky Stride ticket for a chance to win additional prizes.
The new point-to-point course delivered thrilling finishes along the Boulevard of the Allies, with Andew Zentgraf, 29, of Oakmont, Pa., crossing the finish line first in 16:09 and Isabella Bufalini, 23, of Wilmington, N.C., taking the women’s title in 18:48.
The Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest and oldest in the nation, dates back to 1869. Drawing more than 20,000 participants and an estimated 200,000 spectators each year, it remains a beloved tradition. The addition of the Parade Day Dash brings even more energy, excitement, and green-clad fun to this iconic celebration.
Photos from the 2026 event are available here. Official race results can be viewed here.
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.
About GNC
GNC is a leading global health and wellness brand that provides customers with a wide variety of science-based products and solutions to Live Well. The brand touches consumers worldwide by offering products through company-owned retail locations, domestic and international franchise locations, digital commerce, and strong wholesale and retail partnerships across the globe. GNC’s diversified, multi-channel business model has worldwide reach and a well-recognized, trusted brand. By combining exceptional innovation, product development capabilities, and an extensive global distribution network, GNC manages a best-in-class product portfolio. www.gnc.com