Sideline Support
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Circles You don’t have to be a runner to of Love participate in our city’s annual Ring 2014 HALLETT @ designs All marathon. In fact, those who go the distance are counting on… Sideline Purple sapphire and diamond ring by Robert Hallett. Spectators gather along Highland Avenue to cheer on runners. Support BY MARY GILBERT ROBERT HALLETT 26.2-mile party happens every year Deb Walrath of Point Breeze says she “goes G OLDSMITH Ain Pittsburgh, and there is an open crazy” to get the attention of runners she JEWELER • DESIGNER invitation for all to attend. knows. “It seems to perk them up and give The venue is anywhere and everywhere them a lift, a kick in their step,” she says. along the streets of the 14 neighborhoods that Indeed, spectators are much more than dot the course of the DICK’S Sporting Goods mere bystanders, according to race director 518 Allegheny River Boulevard Pittsburgh Marathon, held this year on May 4. Patrice Matamoros of Indiana Township, who Oakmont, PA 15139 USA While some 30,000 runners push them- says they’re integral to the overall success of the selves to the limit to achieve personal goals and marathon—which she calls Pittsburgh’s 412-828-0200 cross the finish line, an equal number of specta- “fourth sport.” “Honestly, it’s like watching a tors show up on sidewalks and front yards to game and cheering for the home team and help the race participants realize their dreams. wanting them to score,” Matamoros says. Winner of Five National Jewelry These spectators foster a sense of community “Spectators all want our runners to score.” Design Awards and camaraderie on this day of citywide cele- The marathon distance is long and chal- bration. Be they solo or in groups, locals or vis- lenging, regardless of fitness level or training. itors, adults or children, their energy is palpable. Runners log hundreds of miles throughout www.roberthallett.com Take Marty Eichner of Squirrel Hill, who the dark winter months to train for the big usually heads to the corner of Fifth Avenue and day. At some point during the race, they will Beechwood Boulevard in Point Breeze to watch inevitably question if they can finish—and a the race with his wife, Elyse, and dog, Sophie. rally cry of “You can do it!” or “Just a few “We want to support Pittsburgh and the more miles!” can provide that needed morale runners and we’re rooting for all our friends,” boost. Eichner says. “We cheer them on, wave, clap, In Oakland, spectators are instrumental in and a lot of times, if they’re not too tired, they motivating runners to make it up the tough wave back.” hill from the Birmingham Bridge, says Across the East End, you’ll find some of Squirrel Hill resident Sheila Solomon, who the most fervent marathon spectators, all plans to run her second Pittsburgh Marathon watching the drama, effort, emotion, and fun this year. of the race play out across our neighborhoods. “It’s the most mentally challenging part of Whether the partying springs up spontaneous- the entire race,” she says. “Knowing my fam- 2121 Murray Ave • Squirrel Hill ly on race morning or results from weeks of ily and friends—and the fantastic crowds— 412.422.3120 careful planning, these spectators make the will be there at the top of the hill in Oakland www.facebook.com/CurryOnMurray Marathoners run down Bryant Street in most of the opportunity to cheerlead and have helps me to focus and push through the Mon/Tues: 4-9:30 pm • Wed/Thurs: 11:30-9:30 pm Highland Park during last year’s event. a swell time. pain.” Fri: 11:30-10 pm • Sat: 12-10 pm • Sun: 12-9:30 pm Enjoy our new awning and open garage door! 1 0 4 S H A D Y AV E SUMMER 2014 1 0 5 Sideline Support At North Negley Avenue and Baum Boulevard, 2013 You are invited to join us for worship, runners approaching what was dubbed the Friendship study, fellowship, and service. Inspiration Station were urged on by colorful characters. :RUVKLS 6XQGD\VDWDP &KULVWLDQ(GXFDWLRQIRU$OO$JHV 6XQGD\VIURPWRDP %URDGFDVWRQ.'.$ $0 display that range from heartfelt to funny. Pittsburgh campaign, inviting people who 6XQGD\VDWSP Point Breeze is known for its “cheer card” were born, have lived, attended school, or have Listen to weekly sermon and worship audio at station, and spectators of all ages enjoy hold- friends and family in the city to come back for www.shadysidepres.org. ing aloft the messaged cards with words of the event. Find us at www.facebook.com/ShadysidePresbyterian. encouragement for the runners—support Pittsburgh Pirate Andrew McCutcheon— VW$QQXDO6WUDZEHUU\)HVWLYDO that is much appreciated by the hardworking certainly no slouch when it comes to running -RLQXVRQ)ULGD\-XQHIURPWRSP athletes. to home (base, that is)—appears on a )XQIRRGJDPHVDQGPXVLFIRUWKHHQWLUHIDPLO\ “We conduct surveys of the runners, and marathon website video, urging viewers to Proceeds benefit Sojourner House MOMS. spectators are one of the top three criteria return, while other videos and pages on the regarding the marathoners’ satisfaction,” website let runners know what to anticipate as The Reverend James W. Tinnemeyer, Jr. Matamoros says. “If runners know a race will they pass through each neighborhood. New The Reverend Todd E. Leach have people cheering to help them get through this year are official spectator zones, with cof- The Reverend John F. Magnuson The Reverend Lynn M. Portz the tough miles, they’ll sign up for that race fee, doughnuts, cowbells, and pompoms at over one without crowd support.” select sites to help spectators get in the spirit. 5121 Westminster Place To attract runners with a Pittsburgh con- In Shadyside, people can enjoy breakfast Pittsburgh, PA 15232 nection and their supporters this year, the goodies distributed by the Shadyside Chamber Phone: 412-682-4300 www.shadysidepres.org marathon launched a national Run Home to of Commerce. Last year, chamber member and Gayle Rogers and his friends like to stand when he sees people struggling, he runs beside next to Tazza d’Oro Café and Espresso Bar in them for a moment. He exhorts them with, P - A W- M - A - R Highland Park, which is party central for the “You can do this,” and “They’re counting you neighborhood. The coffee shop is near the 20- out, but you’ll prove everybody wrong.” PA AR mile mark—the dreaded point where runners “The runners usually laugh,” Rogers says. THE SPECIALTY STORE can “hit the wall” when their reserves are “It’s meant to be a distraction and break up the depleted. pattern a little for them.” A runner himself, Rogers not only calls out Chief among the distractions along the the marathoners’ names from their bibs, but marathon course are the signs and posters on • THE WALNUT MALL 5541 WALNUT ST. Clever and inspirational signs are displayed all along the route, including here on Walnut Street in Shadyside. 412-687-7354 1 0 6 S H A D Y AV E Sideline Support “We thought instead of fighting against it Shadyside, while over in Point Breeze, young most zealous groups, as voted on by the run- we should embrace it,” Leach says. “It’s a great band members representing The Church in ners post-race. community event, and we wanted to become Pittsburgh performed in front of their house Students and teachers from Community part of it.” of worship along Penn Avenue, playing a Day School, an official Cheerathon group, like More than just distributing fruit, the variety of music—not just hymns—to help to gather on a grassy slope along Fifth Avenue church has used the marathon as a platform to jazz up the morning. “We just praise the at Wilkins in Shadyside to cheer on the run- raise thousands of dollars for its Run for Haiti Lord with our music,” says band member ners—with a few marathoners in particular program, which supports relief efforts follow- Nathan Becinski. drawing more of their attention. As part of a ing the country’s earthquake. The marathon The marathon also enlists anyone and school-wide enrichment program, the stu- provides free passes to groups like the church everyone—school bands, churches, nonprof- dents befriended two of the Ethiopian runners so they can organize marathon relay teams to its, hockey teams, cheerleaders, organizations, last year—“They were pen pals with them,” raise funds for their cause. and more—to register online as official explains head of school Avi Baran Munro, not- Then there’s music. The marathon encour- Cheerathoners. They stand at designated spots ing that the runners visited the school when ages Pittsburgh musicians to participate in the to attract the runners’ attention, spread good- they were in town—and they’ll be doing the race a big way, helping the runners rock their will, and promote their own causes. Steel City same this year, creating a hugely rewarding way to the finish line by performing along the Greyhounds Cheerathon Team, for instance, experience for the children. Muffins ready for consumption, handed out by the course; nearly 70 bands participate each year, brings rescue dogs–always a crowd favorite–to When last year’s marathon fell on May 5th , Cinco de Mayo, Miguel’s Mariachi Fiesta band created an appropriate The finish line Downtown may be the Shadyside Chamber of Commerce. representing a wide array of musical styles. mile 18 near North Dallas Avenue in Point atmosphere at the corner of Walnut Street and South Aiken Avenue in Shadyside. most emotion-filled spot on the marathon Last year, when the marathon fell on Breeze.