Pittsburgh Marathon 2023

Posted on by Shadyside Presbyterian Church
Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 7, 2023

Several members and friends of Shadyside Presbyterian Church are preparing for the Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 7. The entire church is invited to “run” alongside them in a number of exciting ways:

Show Your Support

This year, we are again honored to be running with our local mission partner, Open Hand Ministries (OHM). Shadyside relay team members are running with a purpose to support OHM’s urban-renewal work in the Garfield and East Liberty communities. To support our runners and walkers financially, you may contribute online using the official Pittsburgh Marathon fundraising page for OHM. Search by name to support an individual, give to one of our relay teams, or simply make a donation directly to OHM at the top of the page. Donations are accepted through Wednesday, May 31.

Donate Online

Teams:

Individuals:

In addition, please also keep all of the participants and our mission partner in your prayers.

Eat Dinner

Join the runners and meet our mission partner at a carbo-loading pasta dinner and pep rally on Friday, May 5, at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Please RSVP by contacting the church office or signing up in the Sharp Atrium no later than Sunday, April 30.

Slice Oranges and Make Signs

Volunteers are needed after dinner on Friday, May 5, to slice oranges and make signs to encourage runners. Oranges will be given to runners during the race as they ascend Fifth Avenue, one of the most challenging portions of the 26.2-mile course. To help, please sign up in the Sharp Atrium or contact the church office.

Be a Fan

Shadyside’s cheer station will once again be located near the church at the corner of Amberson and Fifth Avenues. Not only will we pass out orange slices and fruit chews, we will be the words of encouragement as the athletes run their race with perseverance and strength. Rain or shine, be prepared to cheer with enthusiasm from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 7. To help, please contact the church office.

Worship

Marathon weekend concludes with worship in the Sanctuary at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. Due to the church’s location within the marathon route, our service of worship has been re-scheduled from the morning to the afternoon. The Reverend Kendra L. Buckwalter Smith, Associate Pastor for Discipleship, will preach, and we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. (Communion will be served in a manner similar to our midweek services. Please read the invitation on our website.) Nursery care will be available during the 4:00 p.m. service. As a fitting conclusion to Marathon Weekend, this will serve as a reminder that acts of running, giving, and encouraging are all done in worship. Following the service in the Sanctuary, all are invited to enjoy an outdoor time of fellowship. (Worship will not be held at 11:00 a.m., and Christian Education classes will not be held at 9:45 a.m.)