On Sunday, October 13, the Steamtown Marathon will welcome around 1,000 runners to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Over the past 27 years, this challenging, USATF-certified course has attracted runners of all skill levels, with more than 35,000 finishers crossing the line.

Each year, up to 25% of participants qualify for the prestigious Boston Marathon. Runner’s World magazine has ranked Steamtown the 6th best overall marathon and one of the top 10 for first-time marathoners.

The race unfolds against the backdrop of NEPA’s scenic roads and rail trails, offering a picturesque route through the region.

The 26.2-mile course winds through 14 communities, starting in Forest City and weaving its way south to the finish line in Downtown Scranton. The first 13 miles pass through Simpson, Carbondale, Mayfield, and Jermyn, while the final stretch takes runners through Archbald, Olyphant, Dickson City and Dunmore.

Steamtown Marathon offers runners a unique tour of NEPA’s diverse landscapes, from rural farmlands to bustling urban areas and peaceful suburbs. Along the course, participants will pass through the region’s rich industrial heritage while enjoying early views of NEPA’s iconic fall foliage

In addition, 4.2 miles of paved rail trail lead runners through parts of the serene Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

The marathon’s route through many of the area’s welcoming neighborhoods provides spectators with great opportunities to catch the action and cheer on friends and family.

Registration for the Steamtown Marathon is open until Friday, October 11. You can register online here.

A community event requires a community effort

An event like the Steamtown Marathon doesn’t come together overnight. While the race draws nearly a thousand runners from over 30 states and several countries, pulling off such an event takes nearly twice as many volunteers.

Consistency is key to hosting a world-class marathon. According to Assistant Race Director Jim Cummings, “The goal is to not have many changes from year to year.” He adds, “Putting on this event is a herculean task, and we are a 100% volunteer army, so it helps that our team knows what their responsibilities are from year to year.”

From manning aid stations to coordinating packet pick-ups and transporting runners and their gear, Steamtown’s 2,000 volunteers manage every detail during race weekend.

And there’s still plenty of time to get involved. “We need volunteers for our race expo, traffic control, and finish line clean-up,” says Cummings. “And all volunteers will receive a Steamtown Marathon tech shirt.”

Get involved as a marathon sponsor or volunteer here.

Registration
Registration is available online through Friday, October 11.
Registration Cost: $115 + $7.90 online fees

All race registrants receive:
Race bib with timing chip
Steamtown Marathon t-shirt

Race Expo & Packet Pickup
Saturday, October 12 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: Scranton High School – 63 Mike Munchak Way, Scranton

Racers must show photo ID to pick up their race packet. A family member or friend may pick it up with their own ID. While advance pickup is recommended, packets will also be available at the starting line on race day starting at 6:30 a.m.

Race Day
The race begins at Forest City High School – 100 Susquehanna St., Forest City
And finishes at Courthouse Square – 209 Washington Ave., Scranton

Racers may park in Downtown Scranton and travel to the starting line via complimentary buses. Buses begin transport to the start at 5:30 a.m. and the last bus departs at 6:45 a.m.

Racers may also opt to be dropped off by friends or family at the start, however, once the race begins, many of the roads along the route are closed to traffic.

Awards Ceremony: 12:30 p.m. (adjacent to the finish line)