Pittsburgh Kids Marathon to debut sensory inclusive heat

The lights and sounds of the 2023 Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh Kids Marathon will be dialed back briefly for the event’s first-ever sensory inclusive heat.

“Our mission is to inspire any and all to move, and this offers that chance for people who might not feel comfortable in a large crowd,” said Amy Scheuneman, director of youth programming for P3R, the group behind the Pittsburgh Marathon.

The Kids Marathon is part of the weekend’s lineup that also includes a half-marathon, 5k and pet walk.

It draws nearly 40,000 runners across the two-day series.

The sensory inclusive heat is a response to requests from families and groups who wanted a more comfortable way to participate in the popular race.

Scheduled for 9:30 a.m. May 6, the course follows a 1-mile path from the North Shore, across one of the bridges and over the finish line at Point State Park.

“We know many participants enjoy the loud noises, large crowds and hype prior to a race, but not everyone is the same,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO.

Scheuneman said the offering will include a space that is less crowded and quieter than the other heats.

“Running is so beneficial for physical as well as mental health,” she said. “For people with sensory sensitivities, these allowances may help them in coping with some of the things that are otherwise overwhelming.”

Organizers will limit the volume of background music and the number of people to give runners in the heat some extra personal space.

“We want them to have what they need to feel comfortable,” Scheuneman said.

Schooley said a partnership with nonprofit KultureCity will provide a mobile sensory station, an inflatable tent with dim lighting to be used as a quiet place to wait near the start line. There also will be sensory bags filled with headphones and fidget toys for participants.

Staff and volunteers will be trained to help ensure the best experience and reduce sensory overload, Scheuneman said.

“We want individuals with sensory sensitivities to not only feel welcomed, but also to have a great experience while they participate,” Schooley said.

The Pittsburgh Kids Marathon is one of the largest in the country and drew more than 10,000 children and their parents in 2022.