Unfortunately, Pittsburgh Triathlon organizers won’t be able to use the parkway’s HOV lanes for the Pittsburgh Triathlon race (cycling part) this year. This decision came due to several constructions that are currently being made on the Parkway North.
We’re sad to announce the postponement of 2017 Pittsburgh Triathlon & Adventure Race due to HOV construction. https://t.co/EHh0dT0RP7 pic.twitter.com/WOXUaqAJmP
— Pittsburgh Triathlon (@PghTriathlon) May 16, 2017
The bike portion of the race was planned to happen on August 12 and 13 this year following the long tradition of setting this race in this park. The event organizers along with the Riverfront and P3R, the nonprofit organizations that put on this triathlon event, admitted that shutting down the city roads for this two-day event would totally be a ““financial liability” for them. According to them, hopefully, the race will return when HOV lane construction if fully complete.
Everyone who has already registered for the race, will get a full refund from the organizers within 10 days.
Stacy Vernalls, president of the board of directors of Friends of the Riverfront said: “The postponement of the Pittsburgh Triathlon has been a tough decision that we have spent months trying to avoid. However, there are no alternatives that would not have significant costs and impact.”
Its history…
The creation of Pittsburgh Triathlon dates back in 1998 by the Friends of Riverfront. Its main intention was to raise funds.
This race features a swim and a kayak part performed in the Allegheny River. Then, a ride course follows it on the HOV lanes. The run is the final course which takes place in the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
