WPTLA President's Challenge 5K Run/Walk/Wheel

 

The President's Challenge 5K Run/Walk/Wheel

The President's Challenge 5K was founded in 2000/2001 by The Honorable Beth A. Lazzara, who served as WPTLA President that year. What began as a single idea has grown into a 25-year tradition, and a lifeline for one of Pittsburgh's most beloved adaptive sports organizations.

The very first 5K took place in the spring of 2001 at Riverview Park, raising $5,000 for the Steelwheelers. Over the years, the race has called several Pittsburgh landmarks home, moving from Riverview Park to North Shore Riverfront Park, and most recently to North Park. Even a global pandemic couldn't stop the tradition; in October 2020, the event went virtual so the community could keep showing up for the Steelwheelers.

Four dedicated volunteers have chaired the event over the past quarter-century: Jason Matzus, Chris Miller, Sean Carmody, and current Chair Chad McMillen.

In September 2025, the race celebrated a major milestone: its 25th running. Held at North Park, the event drew 240 participants, including 32 WPTLA members, and raised $33,850. That brings the 5K's 25-year total contribution to the Steelwheelers to an incredible $707,785.

The Steelwheelers have been the sole beneficiary of the 5K since day one, and they've called the race's proceeds the lifeblood of their organization.

 

A Note of Thanks:

After hearing the results of the 25th race, 5K Committee Member and Steelwheeler Lee Tempest shared this reflection:

"Wow! That's awesome! Thank you for all the hard work for so many years. This fundraiser has really transformed our organization and has allowed us to grow and get so many people with disabilities involved in sports and living a healthier lifestyle mentally and physically. Thank you so much."

 

About the Steelwheelers

The Steelwheelers organization began in the mid-1970s, when four men turned a shared dream into reality. The idea of forming a wheelchair basketball team in the Pittsburgh area had taken root independently among several individuals, and together they made it happen.

In 1977, the group was officially registered as the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, Inc., becoming a non-profit organization dedicated to providing wheelchair sports throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Today, the organization's athletes range in age from 8 to 71, competing across a growing slate of programs including basketball, track and road racing, rugby, and the newest addition, hand cycling.

At its core, the Steelwheelers' mission has never changed: to help members build a sense of well-being through physical activity and community involvement.

 

By the Numbers

• Founded: 2000/2001, by Hon. Beth A. Lazzara
• First Race: Spring 2001, Riverview Park
• First-year Donation: $5,000
• 25th Race: September 20, 2025, North Park
• 25th Race Participants: 240 racers (32 WPTLA members)
• 25th Race Proceeds: $33,850
• 25-Year Total Raised: $707,785
• Race Chairs: Jason Matzus → Chris Miller → Sean Carmody → Chad McMillen