Run Wild Along the Great Allegheny Passage During the 2019 GAP Relay
The 2019 GAP Relay challenges relay teams of eight, six or four runners to tackle 24 legs of varying distances along the 150-mile trail from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA.
PITTSBURGH (February 14, 2019) – If you are a runner who has wanted to experience the Great Allegheny Passage from beginning to end on foot, the GAP Relay presented by UPMC Health Plan is the race for you! Gather running buddies, friends, family or coworkers to form a team and register today for the ultimate relay challenge — on foot.
Each runner will tackle his or her relay legs — ranging anywhere from four to 11 miles — one at a time. Teams will run continuously during the two-day event, which means almost all runners will run at least one leg of the race at night.
“We wanted to create an event that offered an unforgettable opportunity for adventure and camaraderie. We received such positive feedback from inaugural race participants, so we are thrilled to bring back the GAP Relay in 2019,” said Patrice Matamoros, P3R CEO. “We look forward to working together with the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA), title partner UPMC Health Plan and other event partners to once again to make the second edition an exceptional event.”
Participants will enjoy some incredible perks. Each relay team will receive a swag bag, and each team captain will receive a FREE pair of shoes courtesy of Brooks Running! Participants can also expect exciting giveaways and activities at the start line, select exchange zones along the course and the finish line.
Inaugural race participants raved about the swag, other goodies and medals provided, but what they loved most was the challenge, excitement and togetherness they got to experience on a beautiful course. According to one participant, “The views on the GAP were gorgeous! I would never have had the chance to see the scenic trails in this way had I not participated in the race.”
Runners will have the chance to experience the beauty of the region and potential for outdoor adventure through some of the most rugged, spectacular places in Maryland and Pennsylvania. According to Bryan Perry, Executive Director for the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA), “Runners will pass through the Cumberland Narrows, cross the Mason-Dixon Line, top the Eastern Continental Divide, weave through the breathtaking Laurel Highlands, and much more.”
There will be a staggered start in Cumberland on Friday, October 11 for teams based on their anticipated pace per mile. All teams are expected to cross the finish line in Pittsburgh within a few hours of one another on Saturday, October 12. After receiving their medals, teams will then celebrate at a post-race party at the Hofbräuhaus Biergarten.
The 2019 GAP Relay presented by UPMC Health Plan is scheduled for October 11-12, 2019. Registration for the second annual trail race is now open at www.gaptrailrelay.org. Proceeds from the race will help with the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the Great Allegheny Passage.
About Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R)
P3R is a nonprofit organization that is passionate about promoting a love of running and enhancing community access to health & fitness education and activities. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, we also manage a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. The only criterion for participation is a desire to be happy, healthy and active! Read more at: P3R.org
About the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA)
Founded in 1995, ATA is a coalition of seven trail organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland that is charged with promoting and enhancing the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile multiple use rail-trail system between Cumberland, MD and Pittsburgh, PA and the 52-mile Montour Trail, to provide a connection to the Pittsburgh International Airport. Completed in 2013, The Passage is now connected to the 184.5 mile C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland and provides a non-motorized, nearly level trail system between Washington, DC and Pittsburgh, PA. For more information on the Great Allegheny Passage and the Allegheny Trail Alliance, visit www.GAPtrail.org.