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May 14, 2024

Steamtown Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.7

Organization 4.9

Spectators 4.7

Number of comments: 608 [displaying comments 81 to 91]

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D. C. from Chicago IL USA (10/13/2016) "Quite possibly the best maraton on America" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Steamtown Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This really is one of the best races out there. They really understand what is important to marathoners. 1) Great course - point-to-point, mostly downhill, but not too steep, 2) Great crowds - enthusiastic people ALL along the course, 3) Lots of aid stations and volunteers, plenty of on course port-o-lavs, 4) Great race organization - communication, timing, traffic control (all intersections monitored), expo, couldn't be better, 5) Free parking both at race start and end, 6) Easy to get to - easy drive from anywhere on east coast, nice regional airport, 7) lots of available hotels available at reasonable prices, 8) Great after race food-pizza, perogis, hoagies, soup, and lots more. then an outstanding after-party, 9) Marathon only - no half, no 5K, just marathoners. Good medium sized race, with about 2500 runners, 10) If you want to get a PR or BQ, this is the race to do. All things considered, I can honestly say this is about as good as it gets.
Jeffrey Boehmer from Mercersburg, PA (10/13/2016) "Just incredible" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course, the crowd, and the overall hospitality made the race weekend the best I've ever experienced.
C. V. from Westborough, MA (10/13/2016) "Great experience" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 20th marathon and probably the most well organized. I found out about Steamtown from a local running store. It was known for being a faster marathon. My original hope was to run Steamtown to BQ. Unfortunately I obtained a hamstring injury while playing ultimate frisbee and knew I wouldn't PR or come close in this race. What honestly kept me in were the continuous emails throughout the summer and fall. I felt I had to run for the experience. I'm glad I ran this race. Not worrying about getting a PR or BQ allowed me to enjoy the scenery and the fans. My favorite was the Korean veteran in the course who told me to 'keep going young lady' (I'm 40 so I'll take the compliment). The fall foliage was beautiful for several miles in the course. This year I attended the post race party which was held in a historic venue on Sunday. If you are looking for a BQ I would say you can easily take 10-15 minutes off your PR.
W. M. from Pennsylvania (10/13/2016) "Amazing community support" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon receives amazing community support. As soon as you are dropped off from the bus to the high school in Forest City, you can feel the 'runner love'. Where else do cheerleaders greet marathon runners at o' dark thirty in the morning?!?!?! From there, you walk down the halls of the school that are lined with welcoming art from district school kids. You can gain an immediate sense that the community wants you there and is proud of the marathon. The course presents many challenges, the least of which is the fact that the first third or so is downhill. From there it's relatively flat through mile 23 or so, then the uphills show up. They're not huge, but when your legs are that deep into a marathon, you know the hills are there. I rated the course a '4' simply because you really have to pay attention to your line as the footing in places can be treacherous (potholes, gravel, etc.). This is not 26.2 miles of paved road running, but it does keep the mind busy. The organization, volunteer support, and community support for this marathon is amazing. Once you register, the e-mails come and you will chuckle at each one. There is no reason for a runner not to familiar with the marathon's schedule or other details. Each community that is run through shows a high level of enthusiasm and support. To see bands playing as you run is a pretty neat experience. This is a great marathon with low overall runner count and a great course. This was my first marathon and by all accounts won't be my last. Nor will it be my last Steamtown Marathon!
C. G. from Ontario (10/13/2016) "Great marathon experience" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course is beautiful but tough with the extended downhill. The organization is top notch. The volunteers and fan support are again top notch. The post race food was awesome. Probably the best marathon experience I have had.
E. J. from Baltimore, MD (10/13/2016) "Top Notch Small Town" (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Steamtown - what can I say? What did I like about this race? EVERYTHING! I'm partial to a small town race and this one is the best. I particularly loved the volunteers and the crowd support...oh and the course (although yeah...train for a rolling course with a fun downhill beginning and a fun uphill ending). The crowd at the top of mile 24 is AMAZING! Ok..so I have to put in a con because my spouse said so - he had a tough time following me online..but I'm guessing it's because of those mountains. Thanks for everything and keep up the excellent work Scranton!
J. D. from PA, USA (10/12/2016) "Great experience" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. It was an extremely well organized race. Community support is overwhelming. Beautiful fall weather. Great pre-race emails. Plan on returning again next year!
L. M. from NJ (10/12/2016) "Very impressed - amazing small-town marathon" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I can't say enough great things about the Steamtown Marathon. Even though my quads are still burning (race was three days ago), I am still on a high from the entire experience. The race organizers did a great job keeping us in the loop, particularly in the weeks leading up to the big day. Great e-mails that were funny but also very informative; from details about the buses to course viewpoints (and directions) for loved ones. Race morning - buses arrive at Forest City HS and as we're getting out to walk into the school, there are cheerleaders and local folks lined up to say good luck and wish us well, handing out water and other snacks. I'm not one who typically needs that kind of flare and fanfare, but I found it really nice that the community had such large involvement in the race. Many local HS bands were playing music along the first few miles of the course. I was highly impressed by the amount of spectators overall. You can tell that local residents look forward to Steamtown. Those downhills are no joke. At no point, however, did it feel like we were 'falling off a mountain' or going down anything extreme. Yes, the course is fast.... but it takes a significant toll on the quads, knees, etc. Of course this is dependent on the person and their training leading up to the race. I did a significant amount of hill running, but by mile 15 or so, I was feeling it. The hills at the end are no joke. Sure, there are folks who say they aren't that bad, but personally they slowed me down quite a bit. I still walked away with my BQ and a PR, so I am happy. Had that been a flat race, however, I do think I would have had a faster time. I only mention that since many people see the course elevation and assume they will be grabbing PRs. Train smart - hills, even downhill repeats perhaps. Had such a great day at Steamtown; I will definitely be going back. Huge community support, beautiful course, fast yet challenging, great pace groups, amazing race support at the end (large tent full of hydration, fruit, bagels, pastas, pizza, sandwiches, various other things), cool medal. Best of luck.
J. S. from Virginia (10/11/2016) "I've done 3. This is the best." (about: 2016) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Steamtown Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third marathon and the most friendly towards a runner. The course is fast. The crowds were warm and friendly. The race information was easy to find and we were continually informed with pieces that helped us as runners. I would highly recommend this marathon. It is great for first time runners, though doing a second marathon at another course may prove to be harder for you. It is great for seasoned runners who want to push their pace and see what they can really do in 26.2 miles. I had a great experience and would do the marathon again.
P. T. from Buffalo, NY (10/11/2016) "Love this small town race!" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Steamtown Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I just ran my 2nd Steamtown and can't say enough about how much I love this race. After doing the big city races like NYC, Boston and Chicago, Steamtown is a breath of fresh air. The race director cares so much and it really shows. The community support is awesome and the spectators are great. Yes this is a net downhill race, but I find the late uphill portions to be a bit challenging. I have still been able to BQ here twice, but it isn't a walk in the park, by any means. (I give the course 4 stars rather than 5 because there were portions where we were running coned off from light traffic. Not a lot of cars, but a couple of pissed off drivers.) You really get the feeling that everyone wants you to succeed and the spectators will absolutely power you up that final hill. Steamtown is a very worthy fall marathon and I hope to return.

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