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☰
Steamtown Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Steamtown Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.7
Number of comments: 610 [displaying comments 241 to 251]
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K. M. from Telford, PA
(10/13/2012)
"Small town USA magic" (about: 2012)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The humorous weekly pre-race emails, crowd support (everyone in NE PA seems to come out to watch), overall downhill point-to-point course, Forest City HS for shelter before the start (no shivering next to a highway bridge), well organized volunteers, and generally good weather make for an excellent marathon. This year was the second time I've run this race. I plan to return. The only downside is that the local hotels barely have the capacity to support everyone, so book a hotel early. | |
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A. D. from Queens, NY
(10/12/2012)
"Quality marathon in every way!" (about: 2012)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a great event! Excellent course, logistics and support. Many thanks to the organizers and volunteers. Also to Scranton, Forest City and all the communities along the way for your encouragement. I highly recommend this marathon. | |
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M. A. from Nyack, NY
(10/12/2012)
"Better than the big city marathons!" (about: 2012)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Before the race, I thought for sure I was hanging up my marathon shoes and sticking to half marathons after this, but the amazing experience I had has me second-guessing that decision! Growing up in NEPA, I knew that the course support would be awesome, it always has been. What I didn't know is that the organizers have a well-oiled machine here. Everything about this race was organized and easy to navigate. The people, the course, the food, the medal, everything was top notch. About halfway through the race, I mentioned to my friend how hungry I was... we turned a corner and someone was handing out granola bars! So many FRIENDLY and HELPFUL volunteers throughout the entire course made this FAR beyond any expectations I had. My first marathon was a huge, big city marathon that I loved, but this is far and away my top choice between the two. I seriously can not think of one big complaint or suggestion. The only thing that bothered me a little is that, being a slower runner, the water station at about mile 23 was packed up by the time we got there, even though we were ahead of the course time limit. | |
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Jessie Lish from Virginia Beach, VA
(10/10/2012)
"Fantastic destination marathon!" (about: 2012)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I traveled from VA Beach to run my fourth marathon. This is the smallest race field I've ever run with...and I'm 100% planning on signing up for next year's race! I thoroughly enjoyed the course, the trails, the race shirt, and most of all, the fans. I was shocked and impressed that, not only were there water/All Sport stops every mile or so, but there were spectators along the way to serve refreshments in between water stops. Everything was awesome, from the registration process, the weekly emails, and the volunteers and spectators. Way to go, SMA! | |
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T. H. from Pennsylvania
(10/10/2012)
"Favorite!" (about: 2012)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second Steamtown and I loved it as much as I did last year. While it's not a big city race, the crowds are genuine and enthusiastic as you run through the neighborhoods. Organization is like a well-oiled machine. People are friendly and helpful. Course is beautiful and well marked. Water stops are efficient and organized. This year's medal is head and shoulders above previous years. My only complaint: lame swag bags... though I gladly give that up in exchange for a better medal. THANK YOU Steamtown for another wonderful 26.2! | |
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D. F. from Harrisburg, PA
(10/10/2012)
"Wonderful for the first time marathoner!" (about: 2012)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. All I can say is the Steamtown Marathon has set the bar really high for any other marathon I will enter in. The course was well supported with aid stations about every 2 miles, great local crowd comes out in droves to cheer on the runners, and with it being in the fall in Pennsylvania all the leaves turning colors gave some incredible views durning the run. And this year's Steamtown featured an extra 'bling-tacular' finisher's medal. I highly recommend this to anyone that is looking to run their first marathon. The only draw back was a short hill climb around the mile 24/25 point. But other then that a great fall marathon. | |
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C. D. from Greensburg, PA
(10/10/2012)
"Great for fast times" (about: 2012)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great marathon to set.a PR. Enjoyed the foliage along the way. The spectators in Carbondale were uplifting. Everyone throughout the course was very nice and encouraging. Thank you for.providing info for spectators driving to the various viewpoints along the race, it was very helpful. It might be beneficial to have a few more portalavs along the course at additional locations. Enjoyed the rails to trails sections for the scenery and close peoximiity of spectators cheering. One of the best parts was the availability to shower near the race after the finish. Thank you for your hard work organizing this wonderful race | |
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K. C. from Apalachin, NY
(10/10/2012)
"Amazing" (about: 2012)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my very first marathon so I really didn't know what to expect. Let me just say...I loved every minute of it. Scranton was very welcoming....the people cheering you on kept me going the whole way. I love the point to point of this race, and the trails were beautiful this time of the year. I would definitely do this one again next year. Thank you for a great first marathon experience. | |
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T. P. from Stony Point, NY
(10/9/2012)
"What a terrific experience!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My second Steamtown Marathon, even better than the first last year. Wonderful, warm people everywhere. I can guarantee you that you won't gets quotes from St. Paul or people singing the Star Spangled Banner aloud at the NYC Marathon, for all of its glitz. I ran the fastest marathon of my 40's at age 49 despite the pain that undertraining and downhill running inevitably bring. I was overwhelmed by the love of the crowds, and found myself erupting in outbursts with arms raised at several points in the last 7 miles. Every time, the crowd went bananas! Just before the 25 mile mark, there was a woman volunteering who was beside herself cheering as every weary runner turned the corner. I raised my arms in triumph and she went apoplectic, and another volunteer yelled, 'I want to see you run like that for the last mile and a quarter!' When is the last time, in the middle of mile 25 agony, that you laughed out loud? I love Steamtown. Presuming I'm not permanently crippled by Sunday's effort, I'm sure I'll be back! | |
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Brittany Paulshock from Maryland
(10/9/2012)
"Highly recommed for first time marathoners" (about: 2012)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Steamtown marathon was my first marathon ever and the best choice for a first marathon. The race expo is in a high school, it is rather small, but it gives off a small town feeling. Many of the runners at the expo have ran Scranton numerous times and were extremely helpful to provide insight of the course. The first 13 miles of the course are downhill and flat. Do not get caught up with the elite runners and go out fast, save energy for the last 3 miles which are uphill. The course is beautiful, especially during the Fall. A few miles were on a trail which was a great changeof scenery. The fans are amazing and help push you during the final miles. Overall, I recommend Steamtown to any first time and vetern runner. Just be prepared for hills at the end and train on them during training. 5 STARS!! Will be back again! |
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