The Pittsburgh Marathon is holding an early registration for next year's race through the end of today when runners can save money on their entry fees and ensure a place in the field for the May 2, 2010, race.

Race director Patrice Matamoros is hopeful that the field will increase from the 10,500 that participated in the marathon two months ago when 3,000 people were turned away from the race.

"We would love to have a larger field next year," Matamoros said. "We're doing an early registration because there was a demand last year. We wanted to open it up and give people an opportunity to register."

Runners who sign up today will save $10 on the marathon entry fee, $5 on the half-marathon and $15 on the five-person relay.

The regular prices for registration are:

Marathon -- $75 through Nov. 28; $80 from Nov. 29-Jan.30; $90 from Jan. 31-April 18; and $100 from April 19-May 1.

Half-marathon -- $60 through Nov. 28; $65, $75 and $85.

Five-person relay -- $160 through Nov. 28; $185, $210 and $220.

There are no refunds or deferments of entry fees. For more information and an online registration form visit www.pittsburghmarathon.com.

The five-person relay replaces the four-person relay. Matamoros said holding a five-person relay can get more runners involved because of the varying distances of each portion of the relay.

Matamoros also said race organizers are investigating other ways to improve the event, including a bigger finish line festival, more neighborhood festivals and other ways to get more runners involved.

"One of my goals is to create the same element as other sporting events," Matamoros said.