Charleroi preparing for Little Great Race
“We’re really proud of the fact that participants include not just serious athletes, but runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels. Most heartening is that we raise money to support the community.”
The first 400 people to register for the Sept. 7 event will receive free T-shirts and swag bags.
Runners and walkers are preparing to come together for a day of camaraderie in Charleroi next month.
The Little Great Race is held annually on the first Saturday after Labor Day, when hundreds of family, friends, runners and walkers hit the streets of the Magic City with a pep in their step.
The Little Great Race was established in 1987 as a precursor to Pittsburgh’s Great Race, and it was held days prior to the city’s event.
At 8 a.m. Sept. 7, participants will glide along McKean and Fallowfield avenues for the event, which wraps up near the Monongahela River at Trustees Park.
Runners will step off at 8:15 a.m., followed by walkers at 8:18 a.m.
Registration is $20, and the first 400 registrants all will receive complementary T-shirts along with swag bags including a gift from Corelle Brands, makers of Pyrex glass, which has been produced in Charleroi for decades.
More than 100 people have already registered for this year’s race.
The signature sponsor of the Little Great Race is cfsbank, a community bank that was founded in Charleroi in 1935 and now has 10 locations across four counties.
Runners and walkers will pass the bank’s Charleroi branch on the second turn of the course, which begins at Chamber Plaza and winds through the community’s business district before taking participants back to the finish line for an awards ceremony at Trustees Park on the western bank of the Monongahela River.
Because of its architecture, Charleroi is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Participants will pass historic markers that recognize the Palace Theater, established as one of the oldest movie theaters in the country, and the former Charleroi Post Office, which now houses the public library.
The oldest small businesses on the course include Emporium II, Armando’s Pizza, Gene & Boots Candies and Zelenski’s Bridal and Prom Shop.
While many who attend do so for fun, the race is an important 5K event for serious athletes prepping for larger races. The course for the Little Great Race is certified by USA Track & Field.
For hundreds of people around the Mon Valley, and others who travel each year to participate, the race has become a tradition rooted in friendly competition among neighbors, co-workers and families.
While it can be competitive, it’s all about fun and a good cause.
Since its inception, proceeds from the race have provided in excess of $100,000 in scholarships, medical relief and support to first responders and other nonprofit organizations.
Like they have in recent years, proceeds from the race will benefit the Charleroi Regional Police, Charleroi Volunteer Fire Department and Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services. Last year the race expanded to help the Charleroi Area School District’s Harvest Bounty Program, providing food to students in need.
Thanks to continued support from cfsbank, another nonprofit will be included as a beneficiary this year.
Race Committee Chairman Mark Alterici said some proceeds will also go to City Mission.
Former Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan, the new City Mission CEO, is an advocate and athlete who is local to the Mon Valley.
MARK ALTERICI
RACE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN
“We’re really proud of the fact that participants include not just serious athletes, but runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels,” Alterici said. “Most heartening is that we raise money to support the community.”
Anyone wanting to help sponsor the race has several options, including Block Sponsors ($400) and a discounted rate for returning sponsors.
Block sponsorships were incorporated a few years ago and have been a huge success as they help keep the community involved, particularly those who want to support the event but might not be able to participate.
Those wanting to sponsor can do so online through the runsignup.com site or by contacting Gary Riley at griley295@ gmail.com.
Road closures will be in place on race day, until at least 9:30 a.m.
The CRPD and members of the Charleroi VFD will be on hand that day to monitor traffic control.
Norfolk Southern will shut down the railway for an hour and a half to help ensure safety.
The Little Great Race committee includes Alterici, Kelly Moore, Mary Oler, Gary Riley, Mike Lucas, Lauren Perry and Natalie Raitano.
Registration information
Runners and walkers can register online at https:// runsignup.com/Race/PA/ CharleroiLittleGreatRace.
Registration is $20 until Sept. 5 and $25 after leading up to the day of the race.
