Frequently Asked StepTrek Questions
What is StepTrek?
It is a noncompetitive walk through the South Side Slopes neighborhood. It is a self guided tour using maps and narratives contained in a book. There are a series of streets, sidewalks and public stairways to walk. There will be several open houses with properties for sale along the way. Feel free to stop in and look. Due to the housing market, not all of the “Open House” locations were for sale when the maps went to the printer, so keep an eye out for signs by the Realtors! New to this year’s Trek are new and different routes. Places that we have not taken you, steps that you have not traveled!
Can I register online?
Yes at www.Active.com. Click on the button below to register:
There is an additional minimal charge for the convenience of online registration. This is our second year with this option and we have strived for it to be more user friendly. We hope that you take advantage!
What is the cost?
Registration is $12 for the first person, then $10 for each additional person. If your register is postmarked before September 28th, after September 28th, all registrations are $15 per person. Children under 12 are free if accompanied by a registered adult. You may register on October 4th at the site. Tee shirts are only guaranteed to the people who pre-register.
Can I register on October 4th?
Yes, you can register for $15 per person [children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult]. Go the Registration tent and go to the “Walk Up” table. We cannot guarantee a shirt without pre-registration.
Why should I pre-register?
Only pre-registration guarantees a tee shirt in your size. You will also receive a free raffle ticket. You will automatically be registered in advance and the winners will be listed at the staging area at noon. As you may recall, local South Side businesses donate give-aways such as gift certificates and “buy one get one free” coupons. Your pre-registration must be received in the mail by September 18th. If you do not pre-register, we may run out of a shirt in your size.
What Routes are there to walk?
There are three main routes, “Black”, “Gold”, and “Church Tour”. 18th Street separates the main routes and the “Church Tour” is a gentler, more flat walk. Each takes ~ an hour at a leisurely pace. All routes take trekkers past the latest Cor-Ten steel pylon installation of the neighborhood’s participation in the state’s Elm Street Program. Some parts of the Trek, you’d never know that you are in the City! There are several free water stops along the routes, and new gardens to see. Johno Prascak’s Art Studio is on the Trek. The nearly 150 year-old St. Paul of the Cross church will be open for viewing and quiet reflection.
How long will registration be open?
From 11am to 4pm you can register and pick up a map. If still available, you will receive a StepTrek tee shirt. If you arrive later, the staging area may be torn down by the time that you return. You can keep the maps and walk another day, as well.
Is there food?
Thanks to sponsors, there will be bottled water, oranges, bananas, and watermelon, for free refreshments!
Where do I go for registration?
The staging area is at the UPMC Mercy South Side Urgent Care parking Lot at 21st & Josephine Streets, at the foot of the South Side Slopes. The Registration Tent has 2 areas, one for Pre-registration and another for Walk-ups. Please be sure that you are in the right line.
What if it rains?
We hope that it doesn’t rain, but we will be there rain or shine on October 4th!
Are the Steelers playing?
Not until 8:20 pm that night! We schedule StepTrek to happen during a Sunday, at a time when the Steelers are not playing. Go Steelers!
