Pennsylvania American Water to Keep Pittsburgh Marathon Runners Hydrated

This will be the company’s third year participating in a myriad of citywide running events

Source PR Newswire/Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

April 22, 2011

2 min read

Pennsylvania American Water officials announced yesterday that the company is providing water to the more than 19,000 runners in this year's Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. The company will also supply water for the FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay, University of Pittsburgh 5K run and Toyota of Pittsburgh Kids Marathon. As the official water sponsor for a third consecutive year, Pennsylvania American Water is supplying reusable sports bottles for the runners and more than 300,000 paper cups at the water stations throughout the course.

"The event showcases the value of tap water, which we're able to provide to the runners for about a penny per gal,” company President Kathy L. Pape said.

The company will be working with marathon organizers and training expert Leslie Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, to provide hydration tips on the marathon’s YouTube channel.

Athletes depend on water to stay hydrated. Studies have found that a loss of two or more percent of one's body weight from sweating is linked to a drop in blood volume. When this occurs, the heart works harder to move blood through the bloodstream. This can also cause muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue, heat exhaustion and stroke.

Source: PR Newswire/Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon