Steel City Man vs Horse

Are you interested in volunteering for Steel City Man vs. Horse?

We're still looking for a few extra hands. Contact Race Directors Lauren Bilsky and Jamie Martines at pghrunandride@gmail.com if you're available!

There will be two aid stations on the course. Water will be available for horses and humans, along with a small selection of snacks. 

Safety:

• Humans on foot and riders on horseback will compete simultaneously on the same half marathon and 10k courses. Safety is the priority. Be kind, be courteous, and show good sportsmanship to your fellow competitors. Race directors reserve the right to pull anyone who is not following the rules from the race immediately.
• Remember that this Race is held in a public park. While the race course will be marked and the event is permitted, the trails will NOT be closed to members of the public. Be aware that there may be other hikers, runners, mountain bike riders, and riders on horseback on the course during the race. 
• The race begins and ends on private property. Please be respectful of the space so that we can maintain our relationship with this generous neighbor.
• All participants will be required to attend a mandatory safety briefing 15 minutes before the race starts. The briefing will focus on trail etiquette and how to safely pass. 
• If you are a human, and you want to pass a horse, stop running and slow to a walk about ten feet from the horse. Call out to the rider and tell them you would like to pass. The rider will then pull over and stop at their first safe opportunity, and verbally tell you it is OK to pass. 
• The same procedure applies to horses passing humans. Riders should not assume that runners will hear them coming or automatically move over to let them pass. 
• Runners should keep a safe distance from horses at all times. Do not approach a horse without the rider’s permission. Horses with red ribbons tied to their tails may have a tendency to kick, and you should exercise extra caution.
• All runners, riders, and horses must have their bib/race number visible at all times. You will be asked to call out your number at aid stations and must check in at those stops.
• No littering will be tolerated. 
• Any runner or rider who wishes to drop out of the race must immediately notify aid station volunteers or race staff at the finish line. If you need a ride back to the start, you will have to wait until aid station volunteers are done with their shift; otherwise, you must arrange for your own transportation back to the start. Both aid stations are located on main park roads and easily accessible. 
• Runners and riders may not wear headphones during this race. 
• Runners may not use trekking poles without prior approval from the race directors.
• All event participants are responsible for their own health and safety throughout the event. The Race will provide first aid level care only (bandages, ice packs, etc.) at aid stations. 
• The Race will alert local authorities (police, EMS, fire department) that an event is happening at Hillman State Park on Sept. 13, 2025; however, no medical staff will be on site. Event participants are responsible for their own health conditions.

Podium:

• The first competitor – human on foot or rider on horseback – to cross the finish line first wins. There is no mid-race vet hold for horses, so no time will be deducted from the horse’s finish time. 
• Additional prizes will recognize the first female runner, male runner, and horse competitors to cross the finish line after the overall winner in both the half marathon and 10k categories.
• All runners and riders must complete the entire course to finish. Spotters will be located throughout the course to make sure competitors stay on the course and navigate tricky turns successfully. 
• Any competitor who is observed cutting the course will be directed to return to the course where they left it. 
• Pacing by a runner or rider not registered to compete in the race is not permitted

Horse-specific Rules

• All horses must undergo a post-race vet check. Optional pre-race vet check is available.
• All rulings by vets at any time during the race – before, during, or after – are final. Abuse of any animal during this event will not be tolerated.
• All riders must wear a helmet. No exceptions. Race directors will not allow any rider not wearing a helmet to start the race.
  If your horse has a tendency to kick, put a red ribbon in their tail
• The horse must be at least four years (48 months) old to compete. 
• No pregnant or lactating mares will be allowed to compete. 
• Please respect the land owner permitting us to use his property for trailer parking and carry out all manure and hay

Other

• Any dogs or animals other than horses must be leashed or in a pen at all times. 
• Volunteers and participants are asked to only bring the horses they plan to race out on the course. Volunteers will not be permitted to ride a horse to an aid station during the race. Volunteers are also asked not to bring dogs out on the race course.

If you have concerns or questions, please contact the race directors at pghrunandride@gmail.com. 

All race proceeds will go back to Pittsburgh Area Run and Ride Trail Association. We are a new organization, formed in July 2025, with two primary goals: 

1. Bring the trail running and riding communities together by hosting events on the trails we share. 
2. Educate runners and riders about trail maintenance, and give back to the trails and parks where we run and ride. 

All race proceeds will go towards putting on future races and events, and towards funding trail maintenance initiatives. For the next year, we expect to focus our efforts on maintaining and restoring the trails at Hillman State Park in Burgettstown, PA, where this year's Steel City Man vs. Horse is being held. We have connected with many of the local groups leading trail work efforts at Hillman and we are excited to build those partnerships in the coming months. 

Pittsburgh Area Run and Ride Trail Association, LLC is a Pennsylvania limited liability company formed under state law as a Benefit Company. This means we are required to create a public benefit through our work, which is defined as providing "a material positive impact on society and the environment." More information about Pennsylvania Benefit Companies is available here.