Scranton Half Marathon - From City Streets to River Trails
The Scranton Half Marathon welcomes up to 2,500 runners each April, drawing thousands of spectators to the Electric City streets. Rain or shine, Scranton comes alive as participants from across the country take on the 13.1-mile trek, sometimes using it as a lead-up to the Boston Marathon.
The race kicks off at PenFed Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium, with runners and walkers starting at different times. The course winds through downtown Scranton, past iconic landmarks, into historic neighborhoods, and along the scenic Lackawanna River Heritage Trail before finishing back at Memorial Stadium.
With a mix of roads and blacktop, the Scranton Half Marathon is a fantastic race for athletes of all backgrounds, from seasoned competitors to first-time half-marathoners.
While the 13.1-mile Half Marathon is the main event, those who prefer a shorter distance can run the Scranton 5K, held on Saturday afternoon before the Half Marathon. Athletes looking for an extra challenge can take on The Doherty Double, which includes both the 5K and the Half Marathon. Young runners can join in the race-day fun with the Kid’s Fun Run, a ¼ or ½-mile course for ages 5–12. All Fun Run participants will receive a bib and a finisher’s medal.
At the start of the race, participants will exit PenFed Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium and weave through the historic Green Ridge section, navigating a few gentle hills and descents within the first three miles. The route then heads south on Wyoming and North Washington Avenues, leading into downtown Scranton at mile marker 5.5.
Runners and walkers will continue on Cedar Avenue, passing Scranton Iron Furnaces and entering South Scranton. After turning right onto Elm Street, they’ll join the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail at the 7.5-mile marker.
Finally, after exiting the trail, marathon participants will complete a final loop at PenFed Credit Union Field at Memorial Stadium before crossing the finish line.
Registration
Registration is available online through Sunday, March 30.
Registration fees:
The Doherty Double (5K and Half Marathon Run) $115
Scranton Half Marathon Run or Half Marathon Walk $89.95
Scranton Half Marathon Run/Walk $89.95
Scranton 5K $40
All race registrants receive:
Race bib with timing chip
Race t-shirt, swag bag, finisher’s medal and post-race event
Race Expo & Packet Pickup
Scranton Running Company
3 West Olive St., Scranton
Friday, April 4 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Scranton Memorial Stadium
816 Providence Road, Scranton
Sunday, April 6 from 6 to 7:30 a.m.
Race Day
The race begins and ends at PenFed Field at Memorial Stadium
816 Providence Road, Scranton
5k – Saturday, April 5 at 3 p.m.
Half Marathon Walk – Sunday, April 6 at 6:45 a.m.
Half Marathon Run – Sunday, April 6 at 8 a.m.
Half Marathon Run/Walk – Sunday, April 6 at 8 a.m.
Kid’s Fun Runs
1/4 Mile Run (ages 5-8) – Sunday, April 6 at 8:15 a.m.
1/2 Mile Run (ages 9-12) – Sunday, April 6 following the 1/4 mile run
Racers and spectators can park at the Scranton High School/PenFed Credit Union Field at Memorial Stadium or throughout the parking garages in the city.
Awards
Medals and cash prizes are awarded to Half Marathon run and walk participants in twelve age groups, along with a separate prize for the top male and female Scranton residents. The first-place male and female finishers each earn $1,000.
NEPA is on the move, literally. From one-mile walk/runs to 5Ks, 10Ks, half- and full-marathons, you’ll go the distance with one of the many racing events hosted locally.
Article updated from its original version published on 4/2/24.
