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First National Bank presents the 2nd Annual STEEL VALLEY STRIDES 5K: A Run thru History | Sunday, April 12th
First National Bank presents the 2nd Annual STEEL VALLEY STRIDES 5K: A Run thru History | Sunday, April 12th
Lace up your sneakers and step into the past, while running toward the future, and make it part of your 412 Day celebration!
Join First National Bank as they present the 2nd Annual Steel Valley Strides 5K with Steel Valley Accelerator and GCXC Racing, a community run/walk celebrating the people, places, and stories that shaped the Steel Valley.
We call it “A Run Through History!” Run through the historic three boroughs of the Steel Valley as we celebrate 412 Day with pride, purpose, and community spirit!
And we’re inviting all runners, businesses, nonprofits, families, and community groups to form teams and dress as historical figures, cultural or local icons connected to historic Homestead and the Steel Valley!
Think.. Andrew Carnegie, Jeff Goldblum, Josh Gibson & the Homestead Grays, steel mill workers that helped build America, legendary locals, artists, and innovators! You could be “Carnegie’s Crew,” the “Grays of Glory,” the “Steel Valley Steelers” or dress as ‘Bill Campbell!’ (costumes not required to race… but really fun).
This race truly has something for everyone; competitive runners, casual walkers, families, and first-timers.
Race Options:
Flat, fast 5K with professional GCXC race timing and age-group awards
Untimed, family-friendly 1-mile walk, perfect for all ages and abilities
Starting Line Send-Off:
We’ll have GCXC, local partners, a live DJ and the Steel Valley’s THREE Mayors of Homestead, Munhall & West Homestead send-off our runners AND our 1 Mile Family walk on 8th Avenue will be kicked-off my KDKA’s The Talk & Pittsburgh today Live journalist & personality, MIKEY HOOD!
Post-Race Celebration:
New Ways to Win Awards & Prizes!
Along with standard GCXC age-group awards, additional prizes sponsored by Steel Valley Accelerator will be awarded for: Best Individual Costume, Best Team Costume, Most Creative, Team Spirit, Largest Registered Team (special prize included).
After crossing the finish line, stick around for the post-race runners party featuring; Golden Age Beer, Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream, costume prize winners, live DJ and emcee, local organizations and vendors and community celebrations!
Come out to run, walk, or cheer and celebrate!
REGISTER to RACE HERE!
Why this event matters?
First National Bank and Steel Valley Strides 5K support Steel Valley Accelerator’s mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses launch, grow, and thrive through low-interest loans, façade grants, technical assistance, and educational programming. For over 25 years, we’ve invested millions of dollars back into our local economy and this event helps fuel that work. We want people to experience our community and see the economic opportunities there are within the three boroughs of Steel Valley.
We are currently securing event sponsors at Gold, Silver, and Bronze partnership levels. Sponsorship benefits include strong brand visibility both digitally but before, during, and after the event, on-site live engagement with community members with a reserved space, and alignment with economic development leaders efforts across Homestead, Munhall, and West Homestead.
Why support? 1) High-visibility community event with broad local participation. 2) Direct support of small business growth & revitalization. 3) Engagement with families, entrepreneurs, and regional partners. 4) Positive brand alignment with community investment and history. Ask us more info on sponsorships? info@steelvalleyaccelertor.com
There are several ways for local businesses and organizations to get involved..
Form a Business or Org Team!
Grab your staff, customers, non-profit, organizations, friends, or family and run or walk together! Teams are encouraged to dress up as historic Steel Valley figures or local icons, and we’ll be awarding prizes for Best Costume, Best Team Costume, Most Creative, and Team Spirit!
If you’d like to help sponsor one of those prizes, gift cards or small in-kind donations from your business are a great way to participate and get your name announced during the awards!
Table at the Event!
We want to highlight our 15120 businesses, so local businesses can set up a vendor or information table for just $25 to connect with runners, families, and community members during the start/finish celebration. GCXC Racing is PROVIDING the tents and tables!
Become a Sponsor!
Businesses can also upgrade their participation by becoming a Bronze, Silver, or Gold sponsor, which includes additional visibility and recognition leading up to and during the event. Details here.
Volunteer!
Want to help but not run? We’ll need volunteers to help guide runners along the course, check in participants, and support the event team. It’s a great way to show community spirit. Sign up HERE!
Just Come Hang Out with Us!
Even if you don’t run, sponsor, or table — we’d still love to see you. Stop by the start/finish area, cheer on runners, and spend time with neighbors and fellow business owners celebrating our community. During the race along the route, you can cheer and wave from your storefront!
Steel Valley Accelerator is THE 501(c)(3) economic development nonprofit driving business growth in Homestead, Munhall, and West Homestead, PA. Since 1996, we’ve provided millions of dollars in low-interest loans, as well as façade grants and hands-on support to help entrepreneurs launch, expand, and thrive. As a one-stop resource for local businesses, we simplify the process of opening and growing across our three boroughs – fueling a stronger, more vibrant Steel Valley.
Run, walk, dress up, celebrate and be part of Steel Valley history!
GCXC Race Timing & Management PA carries on a legacy of timing and second-to-none event production and management that started with Elite Runners and Walkers many years ago. We continue a legacy of iconic Pittsburgh area events like The Spring Thaw, topping 50 years of continuous running in 2026, and the Sean T Smith Memorial Just a Short Run, which surpassed 25 years in 2025. Each of our proprietary events boasts a local charity partner.
SteelValleyEvents.com is brought to you by Steel Valley Accelerator!
Steel Valley Accelerator (formerly Steel Valley Enterprise Zone Corporation) is a registered 501(c)(3) economic development nonprofit driving business growth in Homestead, Munhall, and West Homestead, PA. Since 1996, we’ve provided millions of dollars in low-interest loans, as well as façade grants and hands-on support to help entrepreneurs launch, expand, and thrive. As a one-stop resource for local businesses, we simplify the process of opening and growing across our three boroughs – fueling a stronger, more vibrant Steel Valley.