Since 1996, the Steamtown Marathon has raised $2.25 million for Saint Joseph’s Center in Scranton.

On Sunday, October 8, the Steamtown Marathon will welcome roughly 900 runners to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Over the last 26 years, runners of all levels have taken on the challenging, USATF-certified course, which has produced over 35,000 finishers. On average, up to 25% of Steamtown finishers have qualified for the Boston Marathon. It’s been cited as the 6th best overall marathon and one of the 10 best in the nation for first-time marathoners by Runners World Magazine.

And it all happens on the scenic roads and rail trails of NEPA.

A different way to take in those stunning autumn views.

The 26.2-mile course meanders through 14 unique communities. The race kicks off in Forest City and zig-zags its way south to the finish line in Downtown Scranton. The first 13 miles pass through towns like Simpson, Carbondale, Mayfield and Jermyn. The home stretch brings racers to Archbald, Olyphant, Dickson City and Dunmore to name a few.

Along with the requisite challenges sought by most marathoners, Steamtown also offers unique views into NEPA’s rural, urban and suburban landscapes. Throughout the race, the region’s rich industrial heritage is on display along with early glimpses of NEPA’s famous fall foliage. In addition, the course’s 4.2 miles of paved rail trail carries runners through parts of the tranquil Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

The marathon’s route through so many of the region’s welcoming neighborhoods also offers unique opportunities for spectators to catch some of the action and to cheer on friends and family.

While it’s getting late, registration for the Steamtown Marathon will remain open until Saturday, October 7. Register online here.

A community event requires a community effort.

An event like the Steamtown Marathon doesn’t just happen overnight. While the race welcomes nearly a thousand runners from at least 30 states and several different countries, the effort to manage such an undertaking requires nearly twice as many volunteers. Consistency is the 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 continues, “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 managing aid stations to coordinating packet pick-ups to transporting runners and their belongings, Steamtown’s roughly 2,000 volunteers cover every detail and beyond on race weekend. And there’s still plenty of opportunity for you 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.

Race Weekend Details

Race Expo (Packet Pickup)

Saturday, October 7

Time: 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Location: Scranton High School – 63 Mike Munchak Way, Scranton, PA 18508

*Racers must show photo ID when picking up race packet.

The Steamtown Marathon

Sunday, October 8

Start Time: 8 a.m.

Start Location: Forest City High School – 100 Susquehanna St., Forest City, PA 18421-1355

*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)

Learn more about the 2023 Steamtown Marathon on the race’s website and be sure to follow along on social media.