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Steamtown Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Steamtown Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.7 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.9 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.7 
 
 
Number of comments: 625 [displaying comments 251 to 261]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 24 25 26 27 28 .. 62 > ]

 

N. W. from Bradford, Pa (10/14/2012)
"One of the best!" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first Steamtown and will not be my last. This was an excellent race from start to finish. I rank it with Richmond and Virginia Beach as my favorites. Run this race if you truly love supportive fans.

 

B. Y. from Long Island, NY (10/14/2012)
"Superb event!!!" (about: 2012)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


As a first timer I can't compare Steamtown to other races, but from reg through post race events and results everything was well organized and communication outstanding. Kudos to all the volunteers and communities...Cheers and smiles from all. St. Joe's kids on the course made for a big rush!

 

K. M. from Telford, PA (10/13/2012)
"Small town USA magic" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The humorous weekly pre-race emails, crowd support (everyone in NE PA seems to come out to watch), overall downhill point-to-point course, Forest City HS for shelter before the start (no shivering next to a highway bridge), well organized volunteers, and generally good weather make for an excellent marathon. This year was the second time I've run this race. I plan to return. The only downside is that the local hotels barely have the capacity to support everyone, so book a hotel early.

 

A. D. from Queens, NY (10/12/2012)
"Quality marathon in every way!" (about: 2012)

3 previous marathons | 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


What a great event! Excellent course, logistics and support. Many thanks to the organizers and volunteers. Also to Scranton, Forest City and all the communities along the way for your encouragement. I highly recommend this marathon.

 

M. A. from Nyack, NY (10/12/2012)
"Better than the big city marathons!" (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Before the race, I thought for sure I was hanging up my marathon shoes and sticking to half marathons after this, but the amazing experience I had has me second-guessing that decision! Growing up in NEPA, I knew that the course support would be awesome, it always has been. What I didn't know is that the organizers have a well-oiled machine here. Everything about this race was organized and easy to navigate.

The people, the course, the food, the medal, everything was top notch. About halfway through the race, I mentioned to my friend how hungry I was... we turned a corner and someone was handing out granola bars! So many FRIENDLY and HELPFUL volunteers throughout the entire course made this FAR beyond any expectations I had. My first marathon was a huge, big city marathon that I loved, but this is far and away my top choice between the two.

I seriously can not think of one big complaint or suggestion. The only thing that bothered me a little is that, being a slower runner, the water station at about mile 23 was packed up by the time we got there, even though we were ahead of the course time limit.

 

Jessie Lish from Virginia Beach, VA (10/10/2012)
"Fantastic destination marathon!" (about: 2012)

3 previous marathons | 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I traveled from VA Beach to run my fourth marathon. This is the smallest race field I've ever run with...and I'm 100% planning on signing up for next year's race! I thoroughly enjoyed the course, the trails, the race shirt, and most of all, the fans. I was shocked and impressed that, not only were there water/All Sport stops every mile or so, but there were spectators along the way to serve refreshments in between water stops. Everything was awesome, from the registration process, the weekly emails, and the volunteers and spectators. Way to go, SMA!

 

T. H. from Pennsylvania (10/10/2012)
"Favorite!" (about: 2012)

6-10 previous marathons | 2 Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my second Steamtown and I loved it as much as I did last year. While it's not a big city race, the crowds are genuine and enthusiastic as you run through the neighborhoods. Organization is like a well-oiled machine. People are friendly and helpful. Course is beautiful and well marked. Water stops are efficient and organized. This year's medal is head and shoulders above previous years. My only complaint: lame swag bags... though I gladly give that up in exchange for a better medal. THANK YOU Steamtown for another wonderful 26.2!

 

D. F. from Harrisburg, PA (10/10/2012)
"Wonderful for the first time marathoner!" (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon. All I can say is the Steamtown Marathon has set the bar really high for any other marathon I will enter in. The course was well supported with aid stations about every 2 miles, great local crowd comes out in droves to cheer on the runners, and with it being in the fall in Pennsylvania all the leaves turning colors gave some incredible views durning the run. And this year's Steamtown featured an extra 'bling-tacular' finisher's medal. I highly recommend this to anyone that is looking to run their first marathon. The only draw back was a short hill climb around the mile 24/25 point. But other then that a great fall marathon.

 

C. D. from Greensburg, PA (10/10/2012)
"Great for fast times" (about: 2012)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Great marathon to set.a PR. Enjoyed the foliage along the way. The spectators in Carbondale were uplifting. Everyone throughout the course was very nice and encouraging. Thank you for.providing info for spectators driving to the various viewpoints along the race, it was very helpful. It might be beneficial to have a few more portalavs along the course at additional locations. Enjoyed the rails to trails sections for the scenery and close peoximiity of spectators cheering. One of the best parts was the availability to shower near the race after the finish. Thank you for your hard work organizing this wonderful race

 

K. C. from Apalachin, NY (10/10/2012)
"Amazing" (about: 2012)

1 previous marathon | 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my very first marathon so I really didn't know what to expect. Let me just say...I loved every minute of it. Scranton was very welcoming....the people cheering you on kept me going the whole way. I love the point to point of this race, and the trails were beautiful this time of the year. I would definitely do this one again next year. Thank you for a great first marathon experience.

 

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