In an effort to assist those marathoners who were left stranded without a race when the Washington DC Marathon was abruptly cancelled last week, the UPMC/City of Pittsburgh Marathon has a unique offer to get those runners to their 26.2 mile goal.

Runners who were registered for the Washington DC Marathon will be offered Pittsburgh's early registration fee of $55 per runner if they sign up for the May 4 race in Pittsburgh in groups of two or more.

"We call it our 'bring a friend to the Burgh' program, said race director Larry Grollman. "DC Marathon registrants can either call our office, visit our website, or write in for an entry and as long as they can show proof of entry in the DC race, we'll guarantee them entry into our race for our lowest pre-registration price."

Grollman emphasized that all entries in this program must be postmarked by April 12 and only mail entries will be honored. Runners can call the UPMC/City of Pittsburgh Marathon office at (412) 647-7866; visit the race web site or e-mail the organizers to obtain an application form. Entries must be in groups of two or more to get the special rate and proof of entry into the 2003 Washington DC Marathon must be enclosed.

"It's the second year of our Heinz Field finish, the home of the Steelers," added Grollman. "Runners will see themselves on the Jumbotron screen as the enter the stadium and finish the race, just like in the Olympic Games."

Pittsburgh is an easy four hour drive from Washington D.C. via I-70 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a distance of 251 miles.

"That's a short drive to go long," concluded Grollman.