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☰
Steamtown Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Steamtown Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.7
Number of comments: 625 [displaying comments 521 to 531]
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Eliot Collins from Raritan, NJ
(10/18/2005)
"Highly Recommended - Will Return Again in 2006" (about: 2005)
50+ previous marathons
| 4-5 Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Everyone associated with this race (organizers, volunteers and spectators) did an outstanding job of making everything enjoyable for me. They were some of the nicest people that I have ever met. I definitely got my money's worth, and I look forward to returning in 2006. | |
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J. B. from Philadelphia, PA
(10/17/2005)
"As fast as they say it is..." (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first Steamtown, and fourth marathon overall. Maybe it was my training, but I think the course had something to do with it... I beat my PR by 25 minutes at this race (qualified for Boston WELL below my age group's required 3:10). A lot of people tell you to take it easy on the downhills at the beginning to save for the uphills at the end, but I think you should take advantage of the downhills. As long as you aren't hitting them so hard that you are unable to talk, you should be fine. Yes, the hills at the end are tough, but EVERY race is tough at the end (that's why they're called marathons). All in all, this was a great course, great crowd and great race. I would have had a better day if there had been energy gel given out at mile ten and mile 18 (I was under the impression that there would be, but never saw any), but a great experience none the less. | |
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D. P. from Centreville, VA
(10/17/2005)
"Excellent Job Steamtown!" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Just ran Steamtown for the first time. The course is fast early, hilly at the end and visually interesting throughout. (historical town centers, high school campuses, rails to trails and quiet neighborhoods). You start with a Civil War-era cannon start and run through a small town where all of the church bells are ringing at 8 AM. The crowds in Carbondale were incredible ... fired-up, even for middle of the packers like me. At the top of the longest hill, (mile 23?) the special needs patients from St. Joseph's Center are lined up and cheering you on (just in case you're feeling like you can't go on...nice reality check!) The crowds were half the size, but twice as energetic as my only previous marathon (Marine Corps Marathon in DC) I set a PR by a large margin by keeping a realistic pace on the downhills and saving something for the finish. Excellent organization. I highly recommend Steamtown. My recommendation...register early and reserve a room close to the finish line. It was 50 degrees & windy this year and having a warm room & bath nearby was definitely appreciated. | |
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L. C. from Philadelphia, PA
(10/17/2005)
"Great first marathon location" (about: 2005)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and it was a great experience from start to finish. The race was very well organized, the volunteers were enthusiastic and helpful and the course was reasonable and not overcrowded. They did a great job on this small town marathon and I would definitely recommend it to others. I thought it was a fast course but the hills at the end, although not excessively difficult for a fresh set of legs, were the equalizer for a first time marathoner. | |
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J. E. from NJ
(10/14/2005)
"First-time marathon, I'll be back!" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 OK, I ended up in the medical tent for dehydration and high blood sugar. Now I am on crutches because I strained my tendon in my foot. Don't be dissuaded though; I am ready to sign up for next year! This was my first marathon and what a great race. It was very well organized and the course was well marked. I thought the course presented some challenges too (don't be fooled by the declines)! I gave it a 4 for spectators just because I expected more. Perhaps it was the rainy weekend (although it didn't rain on the race). Some people put stereos on their yards and played 'Eye of the Tiger' and other inspirational music. Plenty of aid stations and I took advantage of the unofficial ones too (although not the unofficial one at mile 25, which had Krispy Kreme donuts and Rolling Rock beer!) I was a little disappointed with the expo. I expected some more giveaways, samples or great deals. The course overview was disappointing. I rushed my 2-hour drive so I could get there for it and the first half-hour organizers spent patting themselves on the back or sharing anecdotes from past races. I expected a course overview and had to wait. Finally had to leave as the family was waiting in the car. Overall, this was a fantastic experience and the best race I have ever participated in. I will be back. | |
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Mark Barbee from Florida
(10/13/2005)
"Good Fast Course, But Study it Before the Race" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great mid-sized marathon and the course is favorable to a fast time. But, study the course and drive it if you can. The downhills are well represented on the web site and elevation maps. The uphills are a bit toughter than represented. The slight rolling portions early are mostly downhill and no issues. The climb at 23.77 is short but tough, the hill at 23.82 is very tough at that portion of the race and wasted my quads. There is a hill about 1/2 mile long at about 25.5 that is not steep but long and drawn out, making it tough after the earlier ones you just climbed. That said, it is a fast course and I made it back to Boston and a lot of others at the finish were saying the same thing. It is a credible Boston qualifier. | |
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R. S. from Buffalo, NY
(10/12/2005)
"Great smaller marathon" (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a great marathon to run if you want a small marathon with great crowd support. You definitely need to train for the hills, but as long as you do, the course is actually quite enjoyable. Very organized, with enthusiastic and helpful volunteer staff. The water stops were well-run and set up on both sides of the road for better accessibility. Overall, a highly recommended marathon! | |
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C. G. from Quakertown, PA
(10/12/2005)
"Very enjoyable mid-sized marathon w/ great scenery" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Steamtown Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my second Steamtown Marathon. The organizers continue to amaze me with great organization and a great overall feel. I continue to recommend this marathon to all who inquire. Highlights include: Volunteers and support. The course isn't lined with support like other marathons, but there are enough people to give you a great big shot in the arm and keep you smiling. Everything from start to aid stations to finish were well staffed and organized. With only 1700 entries, you never got a rushed or crammed feeling. Weather and Scenery. Great time of year in northeastern PA. Leaves are changing supplying plenty of scenic views. Traveling through the small towns gives you a 'Boston' feel. The rails to trails section was awesome. Course. The course is challenging. You have to go out slowly to save your legs on the sometimes steep declines. Easier said than done as you watch everyone else pass you. Save yourself for the three hills in the last three miles. Extras. This year they printed a very nice poster. The entry fee is reasonable. There are plenty of accommodations. Until next year! | |
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B. G. from New York
(10/11/2005)
"The best organized marathon" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon is a 'must-do.' Unsurpassed for organization, and enthusiasm of the volunteers and officials. The spectators along the course were phenomenal. Aid stations were well stocked and well staffed. Each intersection (and there were many) had traffic control. At the finish, you were immediately wrapped in Mylar and the finisher's medal placed around your neck. The timing chip was readily removed for you. Within the 'cage' area at the finish were hot coffee, pastries, pizza, pasta and fruit. You felt as if you were in a major marathon like New York or Boston. The last several miles were hilly and challenging, if you ran the declines too hard. | |
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J. B. from Central New York
(10/11/2005)
"Well worth the months of training" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Steamtown Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon (I finished in four hours) and I couldn't ask for a better experience. Spectators were incredibly enthusiastic and did wonders in keeping me motivated. Parts of the course are rural roads or back streets without spectators, but the number of people who lined the course through the different towns and their energy made up for it. Volunteers were very friendly, supportive and organized, and they outnumbered the runners. It is very obvious the community supports this race. There is not enough room to fully express how great the volunteer and fan support was. Race organization was superb, too. Official aid stations were well spaced and had water and orange Gatorade, which is a great change from standard lemon-lime. There were also a good number unofficial aid stations with drinks, fruit, pretzels, gummies, you name it. Clothing check was efficient, course is very well policed - I never had to guess where to go, worry about cars, etc. Other logistics (expo, directions, etc.) are also covered thoroughly. Porta-johns seemed to come along often enough during the race. Bus transportation to starting line was offered, but I didn't use it. Lots of bathrooms at the start! The course: I took the advice of other messages posted here and kept my pace in check during the first six miles, even though I felt good enough to go faster. It made a big difference later on. If you prepare for the course, you'll be fine. Learn to control your pace on descents at the beginning of long runs. Work some ascents into the end of long runs. There is a three-block hill at the very end of the course, but at the crest, you can see the finish line banner, downhill and two blocks away. The soft woodchip trail between mile 18 and 19 is the only downside of the course. The footing stinks but it only lasts for about a 1/2-mile. I just reminded myself that no course is perfect and got through it. Most importantly, I had a lot of fun. The best way to describe the race is that it just had a happy, festive feel to it. I would run this marathon again; I had a wonderful time. |
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