The 2012 Pittsburgh Marathon is growing, and in more ways than one. According to Competitor magazine, the race is up 20 percent in terms of entrants, and that has caused the organizers to move the course to a more accommodating and accessible track.
The new course will showcase the City of Pittsburgh and will maximize the runner experience and cater to the larger field of runners. The redesign will allow for a first-class finish line that will adequately house world-class medical facilities, spectators and the popular finish line festival.
The new course is largely circular. It starts on Liberty Avenue, and returns there late in the race before continuing on to Smithfield Street. That new finish line will be on the Boulevard of the Allies. The course will also feature the 16th Street, 9th Street, 7th Street, West End and Birmingham bridges. You can find a complete map of the course and all the information you need about attending the event in 2012 at the Marathon's official website.
For more marathon action, head to SB Nation's running blog, Stride Nation.