The Scranton Half Marathon attracts thousands of participants and even more spectators to the Electric City streets each April, just as it’s done since its start in 2013. Scranton comes alive as runners and walkers from all over the country gear up for the 13.1-mile trek, sometimes used as a lead-up to the Boston Marathon held in Massachusetts each April.

The competitive field of athletes begin the physical feat at PenFed Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Runners and walkers, each beginning at different times, traverse through downtown city streets, past iconic Scranton landmarks, through historic city neighborhoods and tree-covered routes along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, before finishing on the track inside Memorial Stadium.

The Scranton Half Marathon course is predominantly run on roads and blacktop, making this course and race a terrific option for runners of all backgrounds, skills and abilities to lace up their sneakers for a chance to test their endurance.

Three Races In One

While the 13.1-mile Half Marathon trek is the largest draw, those who prefer a shorter distance can run the Scranton 5K, held the afternoon before the Half Marathon. Or, athletes can test their stamina by participating in The Doherty Double, which includes both the 5K and the Half Marathon. Little runners can get in on the race-day fun by participating in the Kid’s Fun Run, a ¼ or ½ mile course for ages 5-8. Fun Runners will receive a bib and finisher medal.

Cash prizes are rewarded to Half Marathon run and walk participants in eleven age groups (as well as a separate prize for the top male and female Scranton resident), with the first-place male and female finishers each earning $1,000 a piece. Race t-shirts, swag bags and post-race events and celebrations are included with each registration.

Proceeds from The Scranton Half Marathon are donated to the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority for the beautification and safety of the city of Scranton.

Get To Know The Course

At the commencement of the race, participants will exit PenFed Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium and weave through the historic Green Ridge section, climbing a few gentle hills and descents within the first three miles. The route heads south on Wyoming and North Washington Ave., leading into downtown Scranton at mile marker 5.5.

Runners and walkers will then take Cedar Ave. past Scranton’s Iron Furnaces and into South Scranton. After turning right on Elm Street, they’ll join the Lackawanna River Heritage Trailhead at the 7.5-mile marker.

Finally, after exiting the trail, Marathon participants will take a final loop at PenFed Credit Union Field at Memorial Stadium before crossing the finish line.

For spectators, the course is accessible through side streets and along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Participants and spectators can park in the Scranton High School and PenFed Credit Union Field at Memorial Stadium parking lot or in parking garages located throughout the downtown.