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Marathon Details - Steamtown Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > PA > Scranton > Steamtown Marathon

Steamtown Marathon

Scranton, PA USA

October 12, 2025

http://www.SteamtownMarathon.com

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Race Details

Founded in 1996, the Steamtown Marathon was named after the Steamtown National Historic Site, the world's largest collection of steam locomotives, which is located in a $70 million museum complex in Downtown Scranton. Known for its "PR" course, the Steamtown Marathon offers more than $13,000 in prize money, Champion Chip timing, engraved medals to all finishers, and a fantastic post race party.

Contact Information

Name:	Jim Cummings
Address:	Steamtown Marathon P.O. Box 20126 Scranton, PA 18502 Please note: Online Registrations Only
Phone Number:	570-963-6363, 800-299-3526
Fax Number:	570-963-6852
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (616)

Course 4.7

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.7

Write a review

Number of comments: 616 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 61 > ]

Marc Thomas from Colorado (10/15/2024) "Great, fast small town course" (about: 2024) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Really great course. Later start that most marathons but good light and visibility. Lots of downhill so better chance to run fast. Lots of rain and cold on race day but beautiful scenery along the river with the leaves changing. The road were a little rough and slippery. Small town feel with the neighbors cheering us on. Great pacers. I ran the first 18 miles with the 3:45 pacer and every mile he would either slightly speed up or slow down to correct. I felt good and ended up running 3:40. Nothing but good things to say about the race.
A. Z. from Pennsylvania, US (10/15/2024) "Very well-organized hometown race" (about: 2024) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Steamtown was my very first marathon and I'm happy to have experienced it in a town near where I grew up. The course has a lot of variety, ranging from several different PA towns with residential areas and historic buildings, to a long country road, to the heritage trail along the river- a particularly beautiful section of the course. It's a net downhill, and the majority of those hills happen in the first third of the marathon. Needless to say, you'll be feeling that later on, especially when you hit the few uphills at the end. I did my best to follow everyone's advice to take it easy on the way out so as to make sure I could get through the end. The race organizers thought of everything. They have a shuttle that takes you from the finish line to the starting line. You get to wait inside the Forest City high school before the race, which gives you a warm place to warm up and have that last pre-race snack. The race starts with a cannon blast. And all along the way, there were frequent aid stations with water and gatorade, a couple with gels, and snacks towards the end. There were ample portapotties and lots and lots of volunteers making sure you were safe and knew the way. My only complaint about this year's marathon was spectator support. I felt like there was barely anyone out to cheer on the runners for the majority of the race until we got back to Scranton, where there were a few houses with some dedicated souls cheering on the marathoners. HOWEVER, I am almost 100% sure this was due to the weather, as almost everyone has said that the streets were lined with people in years past. It certainly wasn't the race organizer's fault, and I would not let that be a reason to skip this race in years future because from what I hear spectator support is usually AMAZING. That said, I was in the back of the pack, and there was still a small but heartfelt crowd at the finish line cheering me on as I crossed, for which I was extremely thankful. Overall, a great first experience. I would come back and do it again in the future!
D. M. from Pennsylvania (10/14/2024) "Great race!" (about: 2024) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great point to point race. Great and scenic course. Despite the rainz the crowds were awesome. I'd sign up again solely for the race director's emails he sent out. Volunteers were great and everything was well organized. Enough food and water stops.
H. H. from Lehighton, pennsylvania (10/14/2024) "Should be a sellout every year" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm shocked this race hasn't sold out since Covid. Scranton is easy to navigate to get from hotels to race venues. Hotels are VERY reasonably priced. The race communications leading up to the event are top notch. They're funny, informative, and help build the excitement leading up to race day. Everything from getting on the shuttle (that was warm on that chilly morning) to getting off at the race start was meticulously planned. The high school kids cheering, helping you navigate the school, hyping you up. It's great. As a smaller race, you don't spend a ton of time in at the race start freezing in the fall chill. The fueling stations on the course were the best stocked of any race I've done. It poured rain this year and the community and volunteers still showed up. Amazing support. I'd 10/10 do this again.
W. H. from Snohomish, Washington (10/13/2024) "Great Course with Even Better Organization" (about: 2024) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great race for many reasons. The course is beautiful, the people are just so kind, and the race organizers have thought of everything! For me, the little details made this race so special. I appreciated the pre-race talk given by the race directors at the packet pickup with helpful tips about the course. They had cheerleaders welcoming us off the bus at Forest City, we were given purple ribbons, and got to spend the time before the race inside! Not having to spend over an hour shivering in the cold waiting for the start made all the difference. I loved the cannon signaling the start, too. Water and electrolytes were available every couple of miles, as well as first responders all over the course! The crowds came out and were enthusiastic despite all the rain. I was blown away by the amount of volunteers. It was incredible to see so many people out there to make this all happen. Last - the food tent at the end was unreal. Sandwiches, bagels, cookies, fruit and yogurt of course. But it kept on going. Krispy Kremes, pizza, and numerous pasta dishes from local restaurants, homemade muffins and protein bites. Given a bag and told to 'fill it up!' was music to my ears. If I lived closer, I would do this race again next year! 10/10 would recommend.
R. L. from Lebanon Pennsylvania (10/13/2024) "Long course" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I hit mile one about 0.1 miles before the first mile marker. It proceeded to stretch out to a finish distance of 26.39. Others around me finished 26.41 consistently. I cut the tangent all the time and ran what I thought would be best case scenario for the tangents. There is no way that 13 other runners ran 26.39-26.41 by accident. The course was long and needs to be remeasured if it's actually a Boston qualifying race.
Brooke Wilkins from Pennsylvania (10/24/2023) "Community Marathon for All to Enjoy" (about: 2023) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Steamtown Marathon offers an exceptional experience in all regards. For me, the most important part of my marathon experience is running the race while enjoying the course, spectators, and challenge. Eliminating distractions and worries about logistics is a huge help for being able to focus on what lies ahead in the run. From the beginning of the email communications about the race, until the moment I left the finish line to return home, the organizers and coordinators provided runners with a perfect logistics experience that provided us with the opportunity to focus on our run. In terms of the course, I loved every minute of it, including the hills at the end. The course provides a variety of landscapes, small towns, rural trails, and urban environments, that gives runners the chance to both feed off of the energy while zoning out and focusing on the run. In my past marathon experiences, the miles between 15 and 20 can start to feel listless, but being able to run along the beautiful trails with the knowledge the the busy area of the last few miles would arrive for a final push was a great way to run that stretch of miles. As for the hills in the last few miles, it may have been because much of my training was done on hills, but they were manageable. I honestly think another part of this reflection about the hills is the fact that, for me, the last six miles of the marathon are brutal regardless, so adding in a few hills did not phase me since I was already sort of in the 'just get to the next mile marker' mindset. As someone who grew up in NEPA, the kindness and grounded nature of the volunteers, spectators, and organizers did not surprise me at all, but it was wonderful to see the area showcased for all of the good it contains. I also met so many wonderful individuals on the course, all in pursuit of their own goals, but all eager to support the other runners around them. The event is a beacon for the community, and I look forward to returning and running it many more times. I highly recommend it to all runners.
J. L. from Cherry hill, NJ (10/11/2023) "The Marathon to run!!" (about: 2023) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I don't even know how to put this into words, this is truly an experience you have to go through yourself, yes it's 26.2 miles still and while that might be the toughest thing you do the community and volunteers make it all worth it. The Race Director is beyond genuine, communicative and a hell of a guy! Finishing this marathon not only leaves your heart full but also broken when you leave this amazing town you find yourself missing Scranton and everything race day was. Thank you to all that helped and continue to help the Steamtown Marathon such a success.
J. Z. from Selinsgrove pa (10/11/2023) "Well done smallish marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Steamtown Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great course, usually excellent weather, excellent aid stations, volunteers and organizers Good pr course I've done 13 marathons and this was 1st one I did twice!!!
Jessica Amabile from Newnan, GA (10/11/2023) "My first and best marathon!!" (about: 2023) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon running and it was the best decision to do it in my hometown! The volunteers, race director and entire organizers were so supportive. The spectators were great and calling me by name from my race bib! There was so much to take in. It made the 26.2 miles go by in no time!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 61 > ]



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Marc Thomas from Colorado (10/15/2024) "Great, fast small town course" (about: 2024) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Really great course. Later start that most marathons but good light and visibility. Lots of downhill so better chance to run fast. Lots of rain and cold on race day but beautiful scenery along the river with the leaves changing. The road were a little rough and slippery. Small town feel with the neighbors cheering us on. Great pacers. I ran the first 18 miles with the 3:45 pacer and every mile he would either slightly speed up or slow down to correct. I felt good and ended up running 3:40. Nothing but good things to say about the race.
A. Z. from Pennsylvania, US (10/15/2024) "Very well-organized hometown race" (about: 2024) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Steamtown was my very first marathon and I'm happy to have experienced it in a town near where I grew up. The course has a lot of variety, ranging from several different PA towns with residential areas and historic buildings, to a long country road, to the heritage trail along the river- a particularly beautiful section of the course. It's a net downhill, and the majority of those hills happen in the first third of the marathon. Needless to say, you'll be feeling that later on, especially when you hit the few uphills at the end. I did my best to follow everyone's advice to take it easy on the way out so as to make sure I could get through the end. The race organizers thought of everything. They have a shuttle that takes you from the finish line to the starting line. You get to wait inside the Forest City high school before the race, which gives you a warm place to warm up and have that last pre-race snack. The race starts with a cannon blast. And all along the way, there were frequent aid stations with water and gatorade, a couple with gels, and snacks towards the end. There were ample portapotties and lots and lots of volunteers making sure you were safe and knew the way. My only complaint about this year's marathon was spectator support. I felt like there was barely anyone out to cheer on the runners for the majority of the race until we got back to Scranton, where there were a few houses with some dedicated souls cheering on the marathoners. HOWEVER, I am almost 100% sure this was due to the weather, as almost everyone has said that the streets were lined with people in years past. It certainly wasn't the race organizer's fault, and I would not let that be a reason to skip this race in years future because from what I hear spectator support is usually AMAZING. That said, I was in the back of the pack, and there was still a small but heartfelt crowd at the finish line cheering me on as I crossed, for which I was extremely thankful. Overall, a great first experience. I would come back and do it again in the future!
D. M. from Pennsylvania (10/14/2024) "Great race!" (about: 2024) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great point to point race. Great and scenic course. Despite the rainz the crowds were awesome. I'd sign up again solely for the race director's emails he sent out. Volunteers were great and everything was well organized. Enough food and water stops.
H. H. from Lehighton, pennsylvania (10/14/2024) "Should be a sellout every year" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I'm shocked this race hasn't sold out since Covid. Scranton is easy to navigate to get from hotels to race venues. Hotels are VERY reasonably priced. The race communications leading up to the event are top notch. They're funny, informative, and help build the excitement leading up to race day. Everything from getting on the shuttle (that was warm on that chilly morning) to getting off at the race start was meticulously planned. The high school kids cheering, helping you navigate the school, hyping you up. It's great. As a smaller race, you don't spend a ton of time in at the race start freezing in the fall chill. The fueling stations on the course were the best stocked of any race I've done. It poured rain this year and the community and volunteers still showed up. Amazing support. I'd 10/10 do this again.
W. H. from Snohomish, Washington (10/13/2024) "Great Course with Even Better Organization" (about: 2024) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great race for many reasons. The course is beautiful, the people are just so kind, and the race organizers have thought of everything! For me, the little details made this race so special. I appreciated the pre-race talk given by the race directors at the packet pickup with helpful tips about the course. They had cheerleaders welcoming us off the bus at Forest City, we were given purple ribbons, and got to spend the time before the race inside! Not having to spend over an hour shivering in the cold waiting for the start made all the difference. I loved the cannon signaling the start, too. Water and electrolytes were available every couple of miles, as well as first responders all over the course! The crowds came out and were enthusiastic despite all the rain. I was blown away by the amount of volunteers. It was incredible to see so many people out there to make this all happen. Last - the food tent at the end was unreal. Sandwiches, bagels, cookies, fruit and yogurt of course. But it kept on going. Krispy Kremes, pizza, and numerous pasta dishes from local restaurants, homemade muffins and protein bites. Given a bag and told to 'fill it up!' was music to my ears. If I lived closer, I would do this race again next year! 10/10 would recommend.
R. L. from Lebanon Pennsylvania (10/13/2024) "Long course" (about: 2024) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I hit mile one about 0.1 miles before the first mile marker. It proceeded to stretch out to a finish distance of 26.39. Others around me finished 26.41 consistently. I cut the tangent all the time and ran what I thought would be best case scenario for the tangents. There is no way that 13 other runners ran 26.39-26.41 by accident. The course was long and needs to be remeasured if it's actually a Boston qualifying race.
Brooke Wilkins from Pennsylvania (10/24/2023) "Community Marathon for All to Enjoy" (about: 2023) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Steamtown Marathon offers an exceptional experience in all regards. For me, the most important part of my marathon experience is running the race while enjoying the course, spectators, and challenge. Eliminating distractions and worries about logistics is a huge help for being able to focus on what lies ahead in the run. From the beginning of the email communications about the race, until the moment I left the finish line to return home, the organizers and coordinators provided runners with a perfect logistics experience that provided us with the opportunity to focus on our run. In terms of the course, I loved every minute of it, including the hills at the end. The course provides a variety of landscapes, small towns, rural trails, and urban environments, that gives runners the chance to both feed off of the energy while zoning out and focusing on the run. In my past marathon experiences, the miles between 15 and 20 can start to feel listless, but being able to run along the beautiful trails with the knowledge the the busy area of the last few miles would arrive for a final push was a great way to run that stretch of miles. As for the hills in the last few miles, it may have been because much of my training was done on hills, but they were manageable. I honestly think another part of this reflection about the hills is the fact that, for me, the last six miles of the marathon are brutal regardless, so adding in a few hills did not phase me since I was already sort of in the 'just get to the next mile marker' mindset. As someone who grew up in NEPA, the kindness and grounded nature of the volunteers, spectators, and organizers did not surprise me at all, but it was wonderful to see the area showcased for all of the good it contains. I also met so many wonderful individuals on the course, all in pursuit of their own goals, but all eager to support the other runners around them. The event is a beacon for the community, and I look forward to returning and running it many more times. I highly recommend it to all runners.
J. L. from Cherry hill, NJ (10/11/2023) "The Marathon to run!!" (about: 2023) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I don't even know how to put this into words, this is truly an experience you have to go through yourself, yes it's 26.2 miles still and while that might be the toughest thing you do the community and volunteers make it all worth it. The Race Director is beyond genuine, communicative and a hell of a guy! Finishing this marathon not only leaves your heart full but also broken when you leave this amazing town you find yourself missing Scranton and everything race day was. Thank you to all that helped and continue to help the Steamtown Marathon such a success.
J. Z. from Selinsgrove pa (10/11/2023) "Well done smallish marathon" (about: 2023) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Steamtown Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great course, usually excellent weather, excellent aid stations, volunteers and organizers Good pr course I've done 13 marathons and this was 1st one I did twice!!!
Jessica Amabile from Newnan, GA (10/11/2023) "My first and best marathon!!" (about: 2023) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon running and it was the best decision to do it in my hometown! The volunteers, race director and entire organizers were so supportive. The spectators were great and calling me by name from my race bib! There was so much to take in. It made the 26.2 miles go by in no time!

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Marathon Details - Steamtown Marathon