Fleet Feet Liberty Mile returns to Downtown Pittsburgh

Runner’s World calls it “one of America’s most iconic races,” and on Friday night it will be returning to Downtown Pittsburgh.

The Fleet Feet Liberty Mile, which is Downtown Pittsburgh’s only evening road race, will return to the Cultural District tomorrow night with races beginning at approximately 7 p.m. The event will feature eight waves of runners, starting with the recreational level and working up to some of the best mile runners in the country.

The Pro Mile presented by @FleetFeetPitt is filled with elite athletes who can run one mile in close to four minutes! Stick around after your heat to watch these athletes take the streets of Pittsburgh. Don’t forget to sign up for the heat of your choice! https://t.co/QPOKvHtRnA pic.twitter.com/9jhayfuFoP

— Liberty Mile (@LibertyMile) August 6, 2019

Not only will the race be offered to runners in the city, but, for the first time, there will be a “Virtual Mile” option where runners can compete even if they can’t make it to the iconic event.

“This race — whether you’re joining us Downtown or running virtually from wherever you are located — needs to be part of your running bucket list,” P3R CEO Troy Schooley said in a press release. “It’s short, fast and fun for everyone, regardless of your skill level or interest. After you cross the finish line, we hope you stick around to watch some of the nation’s fastest milers race to the finish in hopes of taking home the $5,000 top prize.”

The race field is packed with professional runners as well. Four-time winner Heather Kampf and 2017 winner Emily Lipari highlight the women’s side of the competition. Rising star Rachel Schneider holds the fifth-fastest U.S. time on an outdoor track.

Rising U.S. star @rachschneid18 is joining us on Friday night for the @FleetFeetPitt Liberty Mile. With a mile personal record of 4:20.91, Rachel is sure to be fierce competition in the race! BIO: https://t.co/xyhpr13olc pic.twitter.com/fSdLDyoVyH

— Liberty Mile (@LibertyMile) August 8, 2019

On the men’s side, defending champion Robert Domanic leads a pack of professional runners that includes seven sub-4-minutes milers. Pat Casey has the lowest personal best of the group with a 3:52.62 time.

Domanic won last year’s Men’s Pro Race in 4:01; it was his debut road mile event. Craig Miller set the men’s event record in 2012 with a 3:59 time. Then, three years later, Jordan McNamara matched his mark. In 2013, Kampf set the women’s event record with a 4:32 finish.

The race is run entirely in the cultural district of Downtown Pittsburgh. The start line is placed between Fifth Avenue and 6th Street and on Penn Avenue. The finish line is on 6th Street and Liberty Avenue.

An awards ceremony will be held following the final heat in Market Square. For road closure information between 6:15 and 9 p.m. check out the Waze Live Traffic App here.