Steamtown Marathon

Scranton, PA

Race Dates

2013: Sunday, October 13, 2013
2012: Sunday, October 7, 2012

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Certified?: Yes

Miscellaneous Information

Early Entry Fee: $85
Pace Groups?: Yes

Rating:

PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.32
Course Score: 101.26

Race Day Weather

Mean Temperature: 53°F (11°C)
Average High: 64°F (17°C)
Average Low: 43° F (6°C)
Historical Weather

Race Size

2012: 1,941 Finishers

2011: 1,869 Finishers

2010: 1,955 Finishers

Elevation Chart

Maximum Elevation: 1690 feet

Minimum Elevation: 722 feet

Course Description

The Steamtown Marathon course may be downhill and fast, but runners should be cautious about going out too fast in the early downhill miles. There are three hills in the last 3 miles that can be difficult if the early miles were too aggressive and fatigued your quads.

The course features a full net elevation drop of 955'. Steamtown has been consistently ranked as one of the nation’s fastest marathon courses by several running magazines, Web sites, and running organizations. From 2003 to 2010, approximately 27% of all Steamtown finishers posted qualifying times for the Boston Marathon. Steamtown consistently places in the top 10 in the nation for percentage of Boston qualifiers.

Runner Ratings & Reviews

Tim's review of 2010 race.   

Review

This is a great marathon, but don't think that just because the elevation profile is downhill that it is fast. I had the worst of my four marathons at this race. It is a well organized race with lots of people and local bands cheering along the way.

Race Tips

I really blew late in this race. I made the mistake of going out really fast on the downhill part of the race. The first six miles are really steep downhill. By the time I hit 17 miles, my legs were cramping bad. The last part of the race is really kind of hilly. If I was going to run this race again, I'd go out a lot slower and control myself down the hills.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

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EMR's review of 2011 race.   

Review

Well run, small town feel. Love how the towns along the way (it is a point to point race) welcome the runners. Staying warm in HS gym before race was nice and the HS students there were super supportive.

Race Tips

Lot's of downhill early. Be cautious or you will thrash your thighs. Three hills the last 5K which can really hurt if you went out tot hard. Nice few miles in the middle on a soft trail. Give your legs a break from the pounding.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The shuttle system to the start worked great for me (I did get there nice and early).

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