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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 361 to 371]
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Eliot W. Collins from Raritan Borough, NJ
(10/13/2010)
"Highly Recommended - Will Return Again in 2011" (about: 2010)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Steamtown is the same year after year. Everyone associated with the race (organizers, volunteers and spectators) does an outstanding job of making everything enjoyable for the runners. They are some of the nicest people that I have ever met. I definitely got my money's worth, and I look forward to returning for the ninth time in 2011. | |
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S. D. from Boston
(10/13/2010)
"Fantastic organization and volunteers!" (about: 2010)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race was extremely well-organized and the volunteers were amazing. When they tell you not to go out too fast, LISTEN TO THEM. It's easy to get carried away on the downhills and then pay for it in the second half. If you run it smart, it's a good course. The rails-to-trails portion was a welcome relief, both mentally and physically. The spectators are sparse in places, but the ones who come out are wonderful. | |
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C. M. from Staten Island, NY
(10/13/2010)
"Great First-Marathon Experience" (about: 2010)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I can't say enough about how great my Steamtown Marathon experience was. The organizers and volunteers were great, as was the course. If you get a chance, run Steamtown; just take it easy on the downhills at the beginning. | |
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T. W. from Old Forge, Pa
(10/13/2010)
"Incredible" (about: 2010)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Although this was my first time running Steamtown, I am not unfamiliar with the race, as I have attended many as a fan in the past. Steamtown ranks as one of the top experiences in my life and I'm looking forward to 2011. If anyone is looking to run a marathon, first-timer or not, this is the race for you. Everything about it is first-class. The organization is wonderful and the fans cheering along this beautiful course are incredible. I would certainly recommend it to anyone. | |
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Bill Hunt from Watkinsville, Ga
(10/12/2010)
"Excellent Race!" (about: 2010)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This one is fantastic! The course is beautiful! The spectators were awesome! Volunteers were so enthusiastic - especially the "pesky teenagers!" I highly recommend this race! | |
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B. C. from Waynesboro, PA
(10/12/2010)
"I just keeps getting better and better..." (about: 2010)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a second time Steamtowner, I wasn't sure if a second running could live up to the first, but I had no reason to doubt - the second running was even better than the first! Hands down, Steamtown is the best managed and best supported running event I've participated in. They don't miss a thing, from the HS bus guides at Forrest City HS, to "3,300+" volunteers - all with smiles, to the entire cadre of community supporters. I particularly enjoyed the volunteer "coach" who showed up in at least 4 different locations, hearing Springsteen ("Badlands") at the final aid station, and Boston ("More than a Feeling") going through mile 24, and the live band and cheerleaders at the "Homestretch" - WOW! We brought a dozen runners from our club (CFAR) for the past two years, and I'm sure we'll be back with even more in 2011. Thanks to Steamtown for a great running experience!! | |
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B. C. from Virginia
(10/12/2010)
"Steamtown lives up to the hype!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I got my BQ by 10+ minutes and a PR by 22, but I'd have loved this even if I had a mediocre run and the course was flat. It starts with the informative and funny email stream for the assistant RD in the weeks before - plus he quickly answered a question I had. Race morning, the bus transportation was so smooth, and you feel like an elite with the greeting in Forest City and staying warm in the school. I definitely recommend driving the course the day before; there are a few hills here and there that the course profile doesn't show. The start is a bit crowded, but by the big hill 1/4-mile in, I was able to run it like I wanted. I completely blew my plan to run conservatively early so I wouldn't crash and miss my BQ, but I got away with it. I'll bet the only way I did was because I live in the mountains and did a LOT of hill running. My quads were fine even at the end. I saw and heard from others who's weren't. I can't stress this enough: it's a fast course, but ONLY if you train for the downhills, and also the 3 uphills late. Most should really bank effort, not time, as they recommend for those early downhill miles. Don't even worry about the rail trail section. The footing was firm there, and probably better than some of the road sections we ran after that. Might have been a bit crowded for mid-packers. Great crowd support in the towns, and some beautiful country sections in between. The only dull spot was around 19-21 - a commercial and then industrial area. Steamtown delivered on everything it promised. This is my favorite marathon so far. | |
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D. J. from Pittsburgh, PA
(10/12/2010)
"A must!" (about: 2010)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Hilarious pre-race emails weekly got me amped; and the race had a great course with so many porta-johns that there was no waiting!!! Can't say enough good about this one. As well-organized as Boston! Very friendly, with tons of local (great considering it's rural PA) support. Sign up early. My fifth and best marathon. | |
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R. B. from Kanata, Ontario
(10/12/2010)
"A must-do fall marathon" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon went far beyond exceeding my expectations. Every aspect leading up to the race, the race itself and the post-race activities were incredibly well organized. The weekly e-mails providing useful tips and information related to the event were a tremendous assistance in preparing. It appeared that every aspect was covered in terms of how the event was organized (e.g. the buses, the waiting areas inside the school in Forest City, port-a-lavs at the school and along the route, volunteers on the route, medical crews, etc.). Nothing seemed to be missing. Take this along with such a picturesque route and you have a fantastic experience to be had. This was my best marathon ever and not just in terms of finish time (a 6-minute PB, plus a BQ), but more so based on the experience. I would come back to this event in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch fall marathon. Do note that if you are to attend, hill work training should be a priority. | |
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B. N. from State College, PA
(10/11/2010)
"Best Small Marathon in U.S." (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 These race directors know marathoning! They successfully combine the best parts of various marathons into one small package. I never take the time to write reviews online, but felt obligated to praise this race after an A+ experience. Positives: Race Day Transportation: My family drove me to downtown Scranton. I literally stepped out of my car, walked 10 yards, and immediately stepped on a bus heading to the start. Rails to Trails Section: Great break for aching feet. Waiting before the start in a heated gym. Tiny Expo: no one should be shopping the day before a marathon. Hilarious emails leading up to race day. Spectators handing out full bottles of water. Canon at the start, announcing your name at the finish. Less crowded, less stressful version of the Boston Marathon. Negatives: AllSport Drink: felt like Bear Grylls on Man vs Wild when he drinks his own urine. Race Shirt: Too many seams; lettering not big enough. Slow people were too far in front at the start; I realize there is no need for strict corrals at a small marathon, but a few announcements emphasizing that slowpokes move back in the pack would be nice. |
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