Marathon mania was unleashed in Pittsburgh this weekend.

The full 26.2-mile race and 13.1-mile half-marathon kicked off about 7 a.m. Sunday under cloudy skies that turned to rainy, soggy conditions about an hour into the race.

But that didn’t dampen the spirit of runners. Many said they were thrilled the race had returned to in-person status for the first time since 2019.

Shayle Prorok, 48, of Allegheny Township wasn’t planning on running in the Pittsburgh Marathon, having just recently added running to her fitness routine.

“My friends were doing the half, so I signed up,” said Prorok, an art teacher at Leechburg Area High School.

The friends made the half-marathon a girls’ day and coordinated their wardrobes with matching “Half Sisters 13.1” T-shirts.

These Pittsburgh Marathon participants and friends from the Alle-Kiski Valley call themselves the “Half Sisters 13.1” ⁦@VNDNews⁩ ⁦@TribLIVE⁩ pic.twitter.com/B1tWf9xoG0

— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) May 1, 2022

Thousands of runners await the start of the half-marathon Sunday at Liberty and Seventh Avenues in Pittsburgh.⁦@VNDNews⁩ ⁦@TribLIVE⁩ pic.twitter.com/XiJMfTIArv

— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) May 1, 2022

John Carpenzano of Lower Burrell said he is running for a reason — to stay healthy.

“I want to be around to walk my daughters down the aisle in the future,” Carpenzano said, “and to set a good example for them.”

Carpenzano, originally from Leechburg, trained for almost five months, logging more than 562 miles in 90 runs.

The first marathon in Pittsburgh was hosted in 1985.

And they’re off! ⁦@VNDNews⁩ ⁦@TribLIVE⁩ pic.twitter.com/XeTivajxbj

— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) May 1, 2022

During its evolution, the race has experienced interruptions (there was no marathon from 2004-08 due to city financial woes) and racecourse drama in 2010 when a rogue microwave suspected of containing explosives (it didn’t — instead, a can of ravioli was inside) left on a sidewalk near the finish line forced a reroute for runners.

In 2019, almost 40,000 runners participated, making the marathon’s weekend of activities the largest sporting event in Pittsburgh.

Thousands of runners await the start of the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon Sunday morning on Liberty Ave. ⁦@VNDNews⁩ ⁦@TribLIVE⁩ pic.twitter.com/k7skfPQ2fV

— Joyce Hanz (@hanz_joyce) May 1, 2022

Alexanna Rodgers, 33, of Greensburg’s Hilltop neighborhood, said she didn’t train as much as she would have liked but was ready.

“It’s for fun,” said Rodgers, who ran with friend Jeremy Lenz, 50, of Southwest Greensburg, an avid runner.

Lenz said being able to run again in Pittsburgh is “tremendous.”

“I absolutely missed it,” said Lenz, who said he ate a huge pile of spaghetti last night to carb-up for the half-marathon.

And they’re off. #PghMarathon @TribLIVE @TribSports pic.twitter.com/PpB9G4zrek

— Shane Dunlap (@shanedunlap) May 1, 2022

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch was on hand to welcome runners before the start of the half-marathon.

“Welcome Pittsburgh. It’s been way too long, and it’s good to be back and see all of your smiling faces,” Batch said. “Today is your day.”

Leah Delaney, 39, of New Kensington said she has always dreamed of running a marathon.

Delaney, owner of AngelWing Yoga & Wellness, has worked in the fitness industry for more than a decade.

“As I approach my 40s, I want to continue to show my children that no matter how old you are, you can always strive to live a healthy, fit life,” Delaney said.

Natasha Crawford of Allegheny Township decided to run in the half-marathon because she wanted a challenge.

“I wanted to really push myself,” Crawford said. “This is going to be a huge accomplishment, and I can’t wait to cross the finish line with my friends.”

More than 300,000 spectators were estimated to line the course, which included runners navigating three bridges and 14 official neighborhoods, including North Side, Shadyside, Point Breeze, East Liberty and Bloomfield.

More than 40 bands and 20 cheer groups were expected to pump up the crowds and provide entertainment.

The oldest registered runner this year was 86; the youngest is 11 months, participating in the Toddler Trot.

Crawford, a busy mom of two, said her training routine consisted of strength training, spinning and running three times a week.

“Training for this marathon made me make time for myself that I needed, and I fell in love with that,” Crawford said.

Orlando, Fla., resident Jessica Lollo, 35, grew up visiting relatives in the Pittsburgh region.

Lollo, an avid runner, is staying with relatives in Fox Chapel this week.

She said she chose the Pittsburgh Marathon in part to conquer a longtime fear.

“I’m scared of bridges, and I’ll be running over them here. I’m just going to face it,” Lollo said. “And I’m looking forward to seeing the sights. I last visited in 2009, and it feels good to be back.”

O’Hara resident Scott Fox, 53, said he was excited to participate Sunday and doesn’t normally run too much as part of his fitness routine, choosing low-impact cardio and strength training.

Fox was hopeful lightning would hold off during the race despite the rain showers at the start of the half-marathon.

“Who really knows what the weather will be. Pittsburgh weather forecasting is the toughest job in the biz,” Fox said.

And they're off@TribLIVE @TribSports @PGHMarathon pic.twitter.com/m0keKYLLfp

— Michael Love (@Mlove_Trib) May 1, 2022

The Elite Half Marathoners are off and running@TribLIVE @PGHMarathon pic.twitter.com/4hntvMPYdv

— Michael Love (@Mlove_Trib) May 1, 2022

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