EQT 10-Miler draws record number of runners to Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Just as dawn broke on Sunday morning, a record crowd of over 5,000 runners gathered to pound the pavement and traverse the Steel City in the 12th annual EQT 10K and 10-Miler.
Troy Schooley, the CEO of P3R, the running organization that puts on this 10-miler each year, says that this race continues to grow in popularity, which means big bucks for the town.
"Last year was $850,000 [of] economic impact," Schooley said. "This year, with over 5,000 (participants), we are expecting more than that. Over 800 people stayed in hotel rooms last night to prepare. We have 30 states and five countries, so people, once again, just like the (Pittsburgh) Marathon, coming from not only around the country but around the world to come and participate in this event."
This year's winner of the 10-miler, Matt Baxter, is originally from New Zealand, and not only did he win this year's race, but he won last year's race, too.
"A little bit tired for sure," said Baxter. "It was a pretty good day out there today. Little wind. Perfect conditions in terms of temperature. And it was a great, fun day."
Someone else who was having fun today was Nathan Platt of Evans City, who has been on a fitness journey for the last few years, losing over 120 pounds.
This 10-miler is the eighth race Platt has run, and once he crossed the finish line, he had nothing but positive encouragement for people who may be on the fence about challenging themselves to get out and run.
"You can do," said Platt. "Nate can do. Matt can do. Derrick can do. Andria can do. Pittsburgh can do. Western Pennsylvania can do. America can do. When you start with those two words, 'can do,' you can do anything."
If you'd like more information on the 10K and 10-miler, click here.