The Steamtown Marathon 2009 Testimonials

(Click for the 2008 testimonials)

This was my fifth marathon, and it was my favorite (by far). It is the perfect size - around 2K runners. I've run large races (Chicago) and small, local races (B&A Trail in Annapolis), but I love races between 1,500 and 4,000 - they have enough people to keep you motivated and you're never running alone, but the numbers are not massive and unwieldy.  B.L. from suburban Baltimore.  Source:  marathonguide.com

I've run a number of marathons in the mid-Atlantic region (including Shamrock, Marine Corps, New York) and this is my favorite by far. The course is great (but trickier than some think because you can trash your quads on the downhill) and enabled me to qualify for Boston this year. The organization is the best I have ever seen. Nice touches included being able to warm up in the Forest City HS gym at the start; being supported by cheerleaders and high school bands at several points along the course; church bells ringing in Forest City; enthusiastic crowds in several of the towns (especially Carbondale)... and the list goes on.  B.Y. from Washington D.C. area.  Source: marathonguide.com.

This has got to be one of the most fun marathons to run - it was the perfect combination of everything that makes a marathon good (great trails mixed with downhill road running, great town spirit, and great weather - and one part of the marathon even had us looping around some sort of high school stadium). I know all marathons are different, but this is a definite must-do for all marathoners, and I can't even imagine how fast you could run this if you really trained for a good pace. Lori from Rochester.  Source:  marathonguide.com.

I am pursuing the 50 states and chose Steamtown for my PA marathon based on the positive reviews on this website. It did not disappoint!! The organization was superb from the day I registered to the minute I left Scranton. EVERYTHING was super-smooth! What makes this marathon, though, is the people. The amount of support we got from local residents along the course was truly humbling.  A.B. from Boston.  Source: marathonguide.com

Why don't all early morning marathons first assemble in the local high school gyms? Why don't all marathons have men's and women's port-a-potties? Why don't all marathons have really great valuable information emailed by a wannabe comic? I really enjoyed running through all the towns and asking people where we were. The spectators seem to really enjoy the runners. It was fun to discuss who would win the World Series. And with all of this, a very interesting mid-course break: beautiful trails by the river. I loved it. J.F. from Bend, Oregon  Source: marathonguide.com

Great job to all of the volunteers, the race director, the runners, and the fans. This is a top-notch race, and I look forward to coming back. I recommend this race to anyone who enjoys a small-town race with a big-race feel. Beginners be warned: train on hills. Even the net down has a lot of ups. With the weather, the course, and proper training, this is absolutely a PR or BQ course!! I'm looking forward to running it again.  Jeff E. from Bear, Delaware  Source: marathonguide.com

This was my fifth marathon and first "non-major" (having run Boston twice and NYC twice). This is a great marathon. It certainly lacks the end-to-end crowds of the bigger races, but the people who are out are very supportive and enthusiastic. And the organizers and volunteers are top-shelf all of the way. The rail-trail interlude in miles 15-19 is a nice break from the roads, and the wait for the start couldn't have been easier and more comfortable. And yeah, by the way, a 32-minute PR didn't hurt either!! Do some downhill training, and you'll be fine. You've gotta run Steamtown!  P.P. from Concord, MA Source: marathonguide.com

Attention all Marathon Race Directors: Please go to Steamtown, watch the race, and talk with the organizers, because these guys/gals know how to put on a point-to-point marathon. The organization was nothing less than spectacular - from the warm gym at what would have been a very cold start, to the very funny pre-race e-mails. I have done several point-to-point marathons, and I have never seen one go off this smoothly. Bus service to the start was smooth and efficient. Port-a-johns were plentiful enough. Baggage transportation to the finish went flawlessly. I cannot say enough about the superb organization of this race. J.S. from New York, NY  Source: marathonguide.com

Steamtown is a superb marathon experience that lives up to its great reputation: fast course, fine organization, friendly people and enthusiastic fans. I also really enjoyed my first point-to-point marathon and the only full I've run without companion events at other distances. My 13-minute PR here now has me within eight minutes of a BQ. If my future training allows a BQ attempt, I know Steamtown will be the course I choose. Prior to this race, I thought I'd never do the same race twice. This is the exception. T.S. from  Audubon, PA  Source: marathonguide.com

The race was billed as well organized, friendly and fast - and it exceeded my expectations. From the pre-race newsletters (and even a mailed packet); to the expo, which nicely separated packet pickup from the merchandise part; to the buses to the start (our driver even took our picture); to the volunteers at the high school and along the course to the spectators along the course, everything was first-class. L.J. from Maine  Source: marathonguide.com

Special Thanks to all the Steamtown staff and the many other volunteers from the various communities that help make this race a very special and rewarding experience! Having completed my 3rd Steamtown Marathon last week, and 28th Marathon overall, I can honestly say I consider this the very best organized and supported. From registration through the final post race activities, each runner is made to feel special. Standing in the Finish Chute at the end is always a great experience. The strongest memories of the course are not the hills or the Fall foliage, but of the friendly, enthusiastic volunteers and spectators , particularly the young people manning the water tables, and of course in the Forest City H.S. Gym. Where else are runners greeted by cheerleaders and served coffee in a warm building while waiting for the event to start. Awesome job! Thanks again!  Jack T., Oakton, VA

Great race and great organization.  Not sure where to start with things.  Having a warm place to wait the start on a chilly morn was so nice.  The expo setup was perfect and ran smooth and the pasta dinner (way more than pasta) was great.  I was really able to load up before the race.  But I will say, those college kids are spoiled with such a nice cafeteria (not what I remembered in college).  All of that before the race started, plus the informative e-mails and confirmation packet.  What a well organized race!! The course was great as well, running from small town to small town, each with a large enthusiastic crowd.  Having people out cheering and welcoming a runner really helps, especially through those hard miles we runners all face.  I have run in DC and other big cities and the crowds there are amateurs compared to Steamtown.  The volunteers were amazing and I am not just saying that.  How do you get so many people to help out and all with a positive attitude?  They are very, very much appreciated.  I wish I could thank them all for making the race a great run.  David S.

This was my first marathon and I cannot tell you how much I appreciated the organization, support and attention to details.  They should send MBA students your way to get trained.  Excellent job and keep up the good work! Swarmy Y.

  "If Heaven held a Marathon each year, they would take the best of Steamtown, and all the Marathons in the world, combine them into one -- then recruit the wonderful people of Steamtown to coordinate the event, cheer us on, and put the icing on the cake."  The Burch Family, California.

EVERYTHING about your marathon is wonderful; the e-mails that arrive as the weeks approach, the bus trip to the start and the wait at the school, the great shirt, the super course, the course support, the medal, the party, etc., etc., EVERYONE is so friendly and willing to help. You have the best group of volunteers ever! I truly recommend your marathon to anyone who is interested in having the absolute best marathon experience ever. I always love wearing my Steamtown sweatshirts and hats as they remind me all year of your superb event and the fun I had! Despite the good showing from Long Island this year we hope to be back in even greater numbers for your 15th year!  Amy G., Farmingdale, NY

Thank you so much for a great race this weekend. I have never been to a marathon, or any race for that matter, where everything seemed to go so smoothly. There was no stress before the race, and it was great to be able to be inside staying warm before the race. The route was well marked and the water stops appeared organized and efficient. And the volunteers at the end were attentive and very helpful. Made for a very enjoyable marathon! Kaitlin A.

First I want you all to know that the Steamtown Marathon is my very favorite Marathon. Not only because I qualify for Boston there-BUT-the way you take care of EVERY detail! From the e-mails-to the end. The way I rate runs are the "what happens at the end"-the food was outstanding-I have never been to any run that has come close! The volunteers are amazing, the support at every aid station-AWESOME! I know this is a daunting to task to pull off and my hat is off to you all! I recommend this to everyone! YOU TAKE GOOD CARE OF THE RUNNERS!  Peggy E.

I've run so many marathons where the spectators and volunteers really don't seem to care about what's going on. However, at Steamtown they seem genuinely enthusiastic and interested. For example, I hobbled across the finish line fighting off a bad cramp. I was carried to the sidewalk and immediately had 3 volunteers at my side asking me if I needed help, bringing me blankets, loosening my shoes, bringing me water, asking me if I needed food, etc. When I admitted I was feeling a little woozy, they all stayed by my side talking to me and checking on me. They seemed truly concerned and eager to help. Ilan F.

I just want to thank you and the committee and numerous towns we ran through for an AMAZING first marathon experience. Yes, I feel like crap today, but the pain is masked by the high I still feel from running. The people in each town were unbelievably supportive and even brought tears to my eyes a few times (that could have also been mixed with tears of pain.) with their words of encouragement, snacks, and drinks, and overall generosity and pride. I felt like my family was cheering me on the whole time! The committee did a wonderful job organizing the event and I thought it was a wonderful marathon. Thank you so much for an unbelievable first time marathon experience!!!!! Rebecca S., Collegeville, PA

My husband, Brent, and I ran and finished our first Steamtown Marathon this morning and boy were we impressed with it!  We were talking in the car on our drive home to MD and agreed that you all did a marvelous job with all the planning and preparations for today and we thank you!!  We cannot imagine how many hours and how much energy you put into organizing this race!  A big thank you to the many volunteers that handed out essentials and goodies along the 26.2 mile course (and who caught me after the finish line because I was "wobbly" and took care of me because I pushed too hard but qualified for Boston)!  Merci Beaucoup, Muchas Gracias, Danke Schon, Tante Grazie, Mahalo Nui Loa!  May God bless you all.  SSarah K.

(Click for the 2008 testimonials)