May 18, 2024
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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: 608 [displaying comments 591 to 601]
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A Runner from Iceland
(10/10/2001)
 "A beautiful course but tough near the very end" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon (I did Twin Cities last year). Overall I am very satisfied. The course through the woods offers spectacular fall colors and in the small towns along the way, spectators turn out in force to support the runners. Beware of two very tough hills near the end when entering Scranton. The organization was outstanding. | |
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A Runner from Myerstown, Pennsylvania
(10/8/2001)
 "Simply the best" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the best organized, directed, and run marathon I've seen. From the time you get off the bus at Forest City High School, until the finish line in downtown Scranton, you are treated wonderfully. Forget New York, Chicago, and especially forget Marine Corps. Steamtown does it all better. (On second thought, maybe don't forget them: big crowds could ruin this race just like it did them). The small-town atmosphere appeals to me a lot more than urban races. Beautiful course, wonderfully friendly people. My new favorite. | |
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A Runner from New York City
(11/19/2000)
"Awesome, civilized, fast and fun" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon (NYC was supposed to be my first) but I did this as one of my final long training runs. Due to the mostly downhill nature of the course, I was able to run the first 22 miles effortlessly at my normal training pace. The hill between mile 23-24 probably would have been tough if I'd run up it--but it was easy to walk and not THAT long. Crowds were small but INCREDIBLY supportive. The high school student volunteers were great! The locals come out full force through all the small towns and make you feel really special. It was a great marathon to start with because you are very well taken care of before, during and after. At the start: you can wait indoors. At mile 22 - the porta-lav was CLEAN and had TP! At the finish - 3 people attend to you: one to record your number and time, one to put your medal on and one to put a mylar blanket on you. The weather was unexpectedly cold (33 at the start) but they were well stocked at the expo for unprepared runners. The bright fall foliage at the start was especially wonderful. AND - No-wait Post-race massage and a place for a hot shower nearby were FANTASTIC! | |
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A Runner from Rockaway, New Jersey, USA
(10/18/2000)
"Well Organized and great spectator support." (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course, topography and spectator support were similar to the Boston marathon. The volunteers were always available, pleasant and helpful. The parking was plentiful and close to the finish line. I would do this marathon again and recommend it to my running friends. | |
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A Runner from New York, NY
(10/16/2000)
"Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Perfect organization, great course, and good support. Some highlights: fast downhill course (but beware of uphills at mile 23-24 and 25-25.5), no lines at the porta-potties pre-race (that's important to me!), lots of fan support (while not deep, they were there every few hundred yards and loud!), no wait at the massage tables post-race (no wait even for the back-of-packers!) - fast, fun, and friendly. A great mid-sized race and great Boston qualifier. Need I say more? | |
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A Runner from Syracuse,NY
(10/16/2000)
"Excellent course and field size." (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First class course and organization. Spectators were friendly and supportive even on a cold morning. Course is fast but beware of the downhills they can really put a burn on your quads. Would definitely run again. Nice field size. | |
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A Runner from Georgia
(10/11/2000)
"Great marathon" (about: 1998)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Other than the Boston this was the best I've ever done. It would be a great first time marathon. | |
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A Runner from Suburb of Minneapolis, MN USA
(8/16/2000)
"Area Supports Race; Do Downhill Training" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 (Run in 98) Pretty darn good race with a field size I like. Area really supports race and runners, and fellow runners great. Some huge pockets of support, but some bare spots (though enough fellow runners for company). Found out the hard way downhills are still hills and take it out of you... I advise prospective participants to do downhill training. Beware uphills in last 3 miles. One minor gripe (and this problem might have been resolved): start area was packed and start slower than it ought to be; a fair number of people were not lined up pace-appropriately. | |
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David R from Longview, TX
(7/7/2000)
"A great race!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Like the others' comments, this is a fast downhill marathon with great organization and support. I have run 20 marathons and this ranks in my top 3. | |
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Marty Schaivone: from Bridgeport, CT
(5/23/2000)
"A big time feel in a small town atmosphere" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Race director Bill King and staff have done everything right. They have a growth pattern plan and that has helped them to become one of the most respected marathons I know of. I've run the last 3 and it just keeps on improving. You've got to love the downhill 1st half & be prepared for the uphill last 4 miles. Running thru those middle america towns on the way to Scranton you are treated to the gamut of spectators; from mom & pop to cheerleaders & high schoolers. And speaking of High Schoolers - none any finer than those hundreds of them at the Forest City High School at the start. Can't imagine many other locations where teens are up and out by 4:30am to prepare for 2000+ runners, and I ought to know. I produce the Great Pumpkin Classic 4 miler in CT where I teach & our kids don't need to be at the school untill 8am! Try Steamtown & make plans to stay over that night, when the post race party at the ski lodge helps to cap a wonderful weekend! |
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