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

26th Annual President's Challenge 5K Run/Walk/Wheel

 

A family and dog-friendly event benefiting the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, a local non-profit supporting sports programs for the physically challenged.

📅 Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
📍 Location: North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101

All early registrants are guaranteed a free race shirt, all registrants are eligible for a chance to win a door prize. Tickets for the Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle will be available for purchase at the event, cash or Venmo accepted.

 

Start Times

Wheelers — 10:00 AM
Hand Cyclists — 10:05 AM
Runners/Walkers — 10:07 AM 

 

Registration Fees

Early registration (July 1 – Aug 27): $25
Late registration (Aug 28 – Sept 18): $30
Day-of registration (Sept 19): $40
18 & Under: $10 

*Register early to save, prices increase twice before race day!

 

Race Bib & Shirt Pick Up

• T-shirts and race bibs are available for pick up Saturday, September 19, starting at 9:00 AM, at the registration table.
• Walk-in registration and check-in close at 9:50 AM — 10 minutes before the first start.
• Children 4 and under do not receive a race bib.

 

Awards

Top 3 finishers in each timed category below receive awards. No duplicate or overall 5K awards.

Run/Walk

• Female 13+ / Male 13+
• Female 12 & Under / Male 12 & Under
• WPTLA Female Members / WPTLA Male Members
  

Hand Cyclists

• Female 15+ / Male 15+
• 14 & Under (Male/Female combined)

Wheelers

• Female 15+ / Male 15+
• 14 & Under (Male/Female combined)

 

Raffles & Auction

All proceeds directly support the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers.

50/50 Raffle
Buy tickets day-of (cash or Venmo). Tickets will be drawn at the end of the event. Winner not present? You'll be contacted by phone.

Silent Auction
$10 for 1 sheet / $15 for 2 sheets (cash or Venmo). Bid your tickets on the prizes you want most — each item has its own ticket container. One ticket drawn per prize at event's end. Must be present to win.

Door Prizes
All participants are automatically entered. Tickets will be drawn after awards and the silent auction. Must be present to win.

 

 

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

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Event Basics

When and where is the race? The President's Challenge 5K is held annually on a Saturday in September at North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. (Check the registration page each year for the exact date.)

What events can I register for? You can choose from four categories: 5K Timed Run/Walk, 5K Wheel (no bicycles), Hand Cycle, and 5K Untimed Walk/Run.

What time do the different categories start? Wheelers start first at 10:00 AM, followed by Hand Cyclists at 10:05 AM, and Runners/Walkers at 10:07 AM.

Is this event family and dog friendly? Yes! The race welcomes the whole family, including leashed dogs.

Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome on the course! Please note that bicycles are not permitted at any point during the race.

What's the course like? The race takes place on the paved, mostly flat paths (slight slope) of North Park — a great option for runners, walkers, wheelchair athletes, and hand cyclists alike. 

 
Registration & Pricing

What does registration cost? Pricing increases as race day approaches:

Early registration (July 1 – August 27): $25.00
Late registration (August 28 – September 19): $30.00
Day-of registration (race day): $40.00
Ages 18 and under: $10.00 flat rate

What's included with my registration? All early registrants are guaranteed a free race shirt, all registrants are entered for a chance to win door prizes.

Is there a deadline to guarantee a shirt size? Yes — Shirt guarantees are based on registration date. Early registrants who sign up by August 27th are guaranteed a shirt. After that, shirts are provided on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, including for day-of registrants, who also aren't guaranteed a specific size. Register early to make sure you get one.

Can I register the day of the race? Yes, day-of registration is available, but walk-in registration and check-in close at 9:50 AM, just 10 minutes before the first start time, so plan to arrive early.

Can I switch categories after I register? Reach out to the race contact (link on the registration page) and we'll do our best to accommodate changes before race day.

Is registration refundable or transferable? Registration fees support the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers and are generally non-refundable. Contact the race organizers with any special circumstances.

 
Race Day Logistics

Where and when do I pick up my bib and shirt? Packet pickup (T-shirts and race bibs) happens on race day at the registration table by Millie's Ice Cream stand near the boathouse, prior to the start. The registration table will open at 9:00 AM and close promptly at 9:50 AM. 

Will children get a race bib? Children ages 4 and under will not receive a race bib.

Is there parking at North Park Boathouse? Yes, parking is available on-site at the Boathouse. We recommend arriving early, as the lot can fill up. Overflow parking will be available in the upper lot across Pearce Mill Road.

What should I bring on race day? Comfortable running/walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. Cash is recommended if you'd like to purchase raffle tickets.

What happens if it rains? The race takes place rain or shine. 

 
Awards & Prizes

How are award categories broken down? Top 3 finishers are recognized in each category. There are no duplicate awards or overall awards given in the 5K.

Do I need to be present to win a raffle or door prize? Yes. For both the Silent Ticket Auction and door prizes, winners must be present at the time of the drawing to claim their prize. (50/50 raffle winners who aren't present will be contacted by phone.)

What's the Silent Ticket Auction? The Silent Ticket Auction lets you purchase raffle tickets ($10 for 1 sheet or $15 for 2 sheets, cash or Venmo) and place them in containers next to the donated items, gift baskets, or experiences you'd like to win. One ticket is drawn per prize at the end of the event.

How does the 50/50 raffle work? Tickets can be purchased with cash or Venmo on race day. The winning ticket is drawn at the end of the event, and the winner takes home half the pot.

 
The Cause

Where does my registration and raffle money go? 100% of raffle proceeds, along with race registration support, benefit the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, a local nonprofit providing wheelchair sports programs throughout the Pittsburgh and Western PA region.

Who are the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers? Founded in the mid-1970s and officially incorporated in 1977, the Steelwheelers offer wheelchair basketball, track and road racing, rugby, and hand cycling to athletes ages 8 to 71.

How much has the race raised over the years? Since its founding in 2001, the President's Challenge 5K has raised over $700,000 for the Steelwheelers — proceeds the organization has called the lifeblood of its programs.

Can I donate even if I'm not racing? Yes — you don't have to register or attend to support the cause. Contact the race organizers for ways to give directly.

Can I volunteer instead of (or in addition to) racing? Absolutely. Volunteers are a key part of making race day possible. Reach out through the race contact page to learn about volunteer opportunities.

 
Accessibility

Are the wheelchair and hand cycle divisions separate from the run/walk? Yes — Wheelers, Hand Cyclists, and Runners/Walkers each have their own start time and award category, so all athletes are competing among their peers. Motorized apparatuses will not be eligible for timing prizes. 

Is the course accessible for adaptive athletes? Yes. North Park's paved paths are well-suited for wheelchair and hand cycle participants, and the event was designed with adaptive athletes in mind from the start.

Who do I contact with other questions? Use the "Race Contact Info" button on the registration page to reach the event organizers directly.

5K TIMED Run/Walk: T-Shirt

5K Wheel (No Bicycles): T-Shirt

Hand Cycle: T-Shirt

5K UNTIMED Walk/Run: T-Shirt