The race now known as the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon will be a throwback to the contests that spanned 1985 through 2003, with a similar route, a fun atmosphere and an elite roster, officials said yesterday while announcing a sponsorship deal that resurrects it for the next three years.

But given what the region -- and particularly the city government -- has been through since the last marathon, its return on May 3, 2009, could symbolize the turning of a corner, officials argued.

"It's a city, and a county and a region that are moving in the right direction," said Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, who attended the announcement at Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's office.

"The question always was raised, 'How can we be America's most livable city if we don't have a marathon?'" said Mr. Ravenstahl. The 26.2-mile run that will put that question to rest "will be very similar to previous race routes, running through Pittsburgh's neighborhoods and celebrating all of the diversity and all that our neighborhoods have to offer."

Dick's wouldn't say what it will pay to sponsor the race for three years, but it is promising the marketing muscle to bring back the top runners who came previously for the community feel and the $25,000 purse, split between the top male and female finishers. That prize may or may not be duplicated next year, but word on the race will be spread far and wide, vowed Jeffrey Hennion, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the Findlay sporting goods retailer.

Dick's "can talk about this countrywide," he said. "We're going to make sure runners everywhere know of this event."

The race's egalitarianism made it attractive to Respironics, a Murrysville maker of sleep and respiratory products, which will sponsor the Half Marathon.

"You can't put on skates and skate with Sidney Crosby. You can't play on the field with the Steelers," said Donald Spence, president of the firm's Sleep and Home Respiratory Group. "But this event allows you to participate and race with some of the best in the world."

The course is not yet final, but it is expected to start in front of the City-County Building, Downtown, and pass through the North Side, South Side, Oakland, Shadyside, Point Breeze, Homewood, East Liberty, Bloomfield, Highland Park and the Strip District before finishing in the renovated Point State Park.

"The two of us live on the North Side. We're trying to figure out how to go in front of our homes over there, but it hasn't worked yet," joked Mr. Onorato of himself and Mr. Ravenstahl.

UPMC Sports Medicine will be the medical sponsor, putting on training seminars during the year and helping runners on the course.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center used to be the lead sponsor, but declined that role for the 2004 race because it was gearing up to host the 2005 Senior Olympics. With the city then entering into state fiscal oversight and unable to pick up the tab, Mayor Tom Murphy cancelled the 2004 event.

State oversight continues, but the city has a healthy $89.5 million bank balance.

Officials said they didn't know exactly what next year's event will cost. The public will likely cover the cost of city police and public works employees, and the county will help out with manpower, said Mr. Onorato.

The city and county still need to find a few dollars more, but the gap was small enough that officials were confidently predicting a hearty party.

"We're close enough that we know this is going to be possible," said Mr. Onorato, "and I think the impact is going to be phenomenal."