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Description
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 our 25th Year, we've recommitted to Sean's legacy, launching a partnership with Cancer Bridges to help people diagnosed with cancer and their families and support networks navigate their cancer journey.
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.
GCXC “Conquer the Cold” Winter Challenge
Conquer the Cold is back and colder than ever in 2026
- 21st Annual Frigid 5 Miler - Sunday, January 11, 2026 at North Park
- 50th Annual Spring Thaw - Saturday, February 28, 2026 at North Park
- 26th Annual Sean T. Smith Memorial Just A Short Run - Saturday, March 28, 2026
This unique challenge is not for the faint of heart. With the infamous Frigid 5 final hill; the Spring Thaw winter temps, and JASR’s famous mile 1 climb, this challenge will surely bring out the best in runners of all abilities!
All participants who complete the challenge will:
- Receive an exclusive, commemorative GCXC “Conquer the Cold” Winter Challenge finishers medal at Just A Short Run on March 28, 2026.
- Medal reveal coming soon!
- Receive all individual race SWAG from Frigid 5, Spring Thaw, and Just A Short Run
- A commemorative 2026 Frigid 5 custom knit tossle cap and finisher medal
- A commemorative 2026 Spring Thaw 50th Anniversary __________, and finisher medal
- A commemorative pair of 2026 Just A Short Run running shorts and a finisher medal
- Pay only one transaction fee (not three!) when registering and save money
- Have the opportunity to purchase Challenger-only apparel to wear during your training
- Get huge kudos on your accomplishment from family, friends, and fellow runners
- Experience immense pride as you conquer the winter chill, maintaining your training momentum as we head into spring 2026
Best of All, You Create Your Own Challenge:
The challenge is simple: sign up for all 3 events at once, pick your distances at each race, and you are registered for the challenge. There are 16 different combinations to choose from. Eat your heart out Burger King! Our runners can have it their way.
NOTE: YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THE CHALLENGE USING THE CHALLENGE BUNDLE TILE TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE CHALLENGE PERKS. Registering for each race separately does not qualify as the challenge.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
North Park Boathouse
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