Founded in 2001 to honor Sean T. Smith, who lost his battle with leukemia in 1995, Just A Short Run has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to benefit local charities working to eradicate leukemia and blood-borne cancers.
In 2025, we recommitted to Sean's legacy, launching a partnership with Cancer Bridges to help people diagnosed with cancer and their families and to support networks that help them navigate their cancer journey. In 2026, we are proud to continue this partnership!
Race founder, Kevin Smith (brother of Sean), along with the GCXC Race Timing Team, running friends and family from the former Elite Runners & Walkers run shop, along with a small army of volunteers from local youth groups, will help transform North Park into the course(s) for Just A Short Run. Back in its prime spot on the fourth Saturday in March, Just A Short Run is the perfect event to test your fitness or as your goal race. With distances of 5K, 8.1 Miles, 1/2 Marathon & 30K, this event will be your perfect spring marathon tune-up event and regularly draws runners from 30-40 states hoping to prepare for Pittsburgh's hilly terrain.
No matter why you run, this race is about much more than the run. The Just a Short Run community is vibrant, generous, and strong. If you're already a part of it, welcome back. If you're new, we can't wait to share the miles with you.
