Annual Run Around the Square Celebrates 30th Anniversary

What started out as a fun run back in 1982 as part of Regent Square Days, the annual Run Around the Square has developed into the largest neighborhood race in the area.

Now a very popular community event, the 1.5-mile fun run/walk through the streets of Regent Square is for the whole family, including dogs, and starts at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25. People line the streets to cheer on the participants.

The more challenging 5K race starts at 9 a.m. with the first mile on the Regent Square streets and then winds through Frick Park’s trails to finish at Fern Hollow. Both races are officially sanctioned and timing chips will be provided during registration packet pickup.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary, every registered participant in both races will receive a commemorative medal and T-shirt.

More than 20 vendors with tents will be gathered in Fern Hollow at the finish of the race and Ray Ryan’s New Orleans Band will be playing for the crowd. will be providing hot dogs and beverages and fruit will be available at the finish line.

Attendance for the 5K race is capped at 1,500 participants this year and registration for this portion will be online only at www.runaroundthesquare.com.  Registration closes at midnight on Aug. 22—or if it sells out sooner, which is expected. There are more than 1,000 registrants already and the event sold out last year more than a week early.

“We didn’t want to cap it, but safety on the narrow trails became a concern,” said Donna Bour, race director and president of the board.

Participation in the 1.5-mile fun run/walk is unlimited and open to everyone, including strollers, wheelchairs and dogs on a leash. However, there is no event-day registration this year. Registration can be completed online or on the paper form and mailed to the office, but must be received by midnight on Aug. 22.

Prizes will be awarded for both races for top performers as well as age categories.

The whole event is made possible through sponsors and volunteers. New Balance Pittsburgh is the purse sponsor this year and is also donating prizes for drawings. More than 50 other local businesses donated various amounts to make this event a possibility.

Most of the organization and planning is provided by the 18 members on the board of directors.

“We made some changes to streamline the process and make improvements,” said Bour. Another important group of 75-100 volunteers to help with packet pick up and race day preparation as well as on-site coordination is required.

“We have a great group of volunteers and it’s a lot of fun,” she added.  

The committee is still looking for a few more people to help out prior to and on event day. Email volunteers@runaroundthesquare.com if you are available to help.

Race details, registration forms and packet pickup information, a course map and a full list of sponsors can be found on the website.