On Sunday morning, Jim Popovich appeared on WTAE’s “4 The Record” to discuss his recent appointment as chief executive of Pittsburgh Promise Partners (P3R) and to lay out the organization’s goals for the city’s premier running events.
Local roots and career path
Popovich, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, attended Robert Morris University before beginning his professional journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He later joined P3R, rising through the ranks to become CEO earlier this fall.
Mission to inspire participation
“Our mission at P3R is to inspire everyone to move with us,” Popovich said during the interview. He highlighted the recent EQT Pittsburgh 10‑Miler, which attracted roughly 6,500 participants in early November, as a testament to growing community interest in fitness and charitable events.
Marathon expansion plans
The organization’s flagship event, the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, is set to become even larger. Popovich announced a target of surpassing 50,000 runners for the 2027 race and expressed confidence that registration is already outpacing last year’s numbers. “We want to get to around a 55,000 number for this year,” he added, emphasizing the marathon’s role in boosting local tourism and supporting charitable causes.
Community impact
Beyond the race itself, P3R’s events generate significant economic activity for downtown businesses and provide fundraising opportunities for local nonprofits. Popovich stressed that expanding participant numbers will amplify these benefits, creating more volunteer opportunities and fostering a stronger sense of community pride.
Looking ahead
When asked about future initiatives, Popovich indicated plans to broaden the organization’s outreach programs, including youth running clinics and health‑focused workshops. He affirmed that registration for all upcoming marathon weekend events remains open, inviting residents of all ages and fitness levels to join.
For a full view of the interview, viewers can watch the video segment on the WTAE website.
Original reporting: WTAE (Hearst) – local — read the source article.
