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Testimonials 2003 |
A great race got even better in 2003. How? Frequent email updates in the week or so before the race from the race director; a nice presentation at the expo by experienced runners; and nearly ideal weather. Everything about this race operates smoothly, and it has perhaps the best starting area amenities of any marathon (warm gym to hang out, massage available, adequate number of johns). The pasta dinner is above-average, for only $8.50. The course is truly beautiful, with pockets of spectators every few miles.
D.H., Pittsburgh, PA
The STEAMTOWN Marathon was AMAZING!!! When I read the comments from others I thought: "what will I think...NO ONE CAN SAY until I run it..." This event has EVERYTHING...Can you imagine MORE VOLUNTEERS THAN PARTICPANTS - 2500...The scenery was breathtaking...The BEST ROUTE...We ran through towns and they got right into it. One town had a sign: "Marathoners, Welcome to the WILD WILD WEST" The townspeople were dressed up in a western theme...I can`t say enough about my day running the Scranton Marathon... ONE COMMENT...RESPECT THOSE DOWNHILLS...I am coming back to Scranton next year and I will train on DOWNHILLS... The 7 hours drive is well worth it... There were 35 Canadians...COME ON CANADA...COME TO SCRANTON...You will have the TIME OF YOUR LIFE
Many people who have run Chicago, Marine Corps, Boston, New York prefer this marathon I thought HOW??..I can see why now...I CAN`T SEE HOW THEY COULD IMPROVE ON THIS EVENT!!! I ran Marine Corps in 2001...THANK YOU SCRANTON...I shall return!
'SMILEAGE WITH MILEAGE'
Al S., Bowmanville, Ontario
Thanks for a great marathon! It was very well organized. Your volunteers treat the runners extremely well…better than the Boston volunteers.
Jim F.
People here take such a big part in marathon it's like being hugged by your own mother. Thanks to everybody.
O.V., NY
I am from Atlanta, Georgia, which is a very hot running town, and have been running 15 – 25 races a year from 5K to marathon, since 1980. Without question, Steamtown 2003 was the most well organized and most enjoyable race I have ever participated in….It was almost as if every volunteer and every spectator went to class to learn what to say to runners. I never heard ONE repeat ONE negative comment from anybody along the entire route. Every single person (among the thousands by the way) was encouraging and supportive – it was amazing. Thank you so much for an incredible experience.
Gary H., Atlanta, GA
I just wanted you to know what a wonderful race you and all of your volunteers and townspeople put on. I have NEVER run a more organized, supported, and overall well-run marathon. This is not to say that I am not sore today nor did I make my desired time (just a little off) but I really had a terrific time. The volunteers and folks that came out from all the towns are to be applauded. What support, kindness and enthusiasm. I have run 7 marathons and I WILL recommend this to all my marathon enthusiast friends. Well done and thank you.
Jeri G.
What a fantastic day yesterday was. This was my second Steamtown marathon and my 7th overall (others being NYC, Motorola in Austin, Disney and Pittsburgh). Not even close, yours is the best. I never eat “unofficial food” along marathons but the home baked brownies, cookies and fruit were too inviting, and friendly equals safe in my mind and never a doubt at Steamtown, it’s the friendliest. Add this to the perfect weather, gorgeous foliage, downhill course, perfect planning and the best starting accommodations and I don’t know why Chicago gets 30,000 and you less than 2,000 but I’m thankful for it.
Gary A., MD
I developed a stress fracture two weeks before the Steamtown race this year, so I had to withdraw from the race. I still attended the race though, because I had six friends running it (also from New York City). They had nothing but the best things to say! We are all pretty seasoned runners and have run tons of races, and my friends all said this was one of the best races they have ever run – everyone wants to run next year, and hopefully I will be joining them! With all the good word of mouth this race is getting, you better be prepared for it to grow and grow!
Rachel E.M., NYC
I am a runner from NC and have run in the Chicago Marathon the past two years, but with the cap at 40K runners I decided to try your race this past weekend. I am glad I did as you put on a first rate event for a small town marathon. Everything was done so well…I mean even the porta johns were labeled men and women – what a great concept. It was nice not feeling like being in a cattle herd and it was great how everyone is listed by bib # in the paper and people in town call out your name – another great touch. It was nice to have the principal come out to personally greet the runners at the buses and also the very enthusiastic students and adult volunteers. Also, you have some of the nicest trails I have ever run on and its great to transition from the hard surface to the soft wood chips for 3 to 4 miles, which is great during the marathon as in large city races its impossible. I have run about 15 marathons and feel its one of the nicest courses I have ever run on. It’s great the way the town supports your marathon. Keep up the good work. I will pass on the word to my local running community about your race.
Martin M. NC
I just wanted to thank all of you for a wonderful experience at Steamtown 2003. It was my first marathon. I was extremely impressed with the excellent level of organization and enthusiasm of all the volunteers. From Forest City to Scranton, people associated with the race as well as the general public were warm, polite and hospitable. I think you’ve spoiled me for any other marathon, I don’t know how it could get any better. Thank you again.
Peter I.
Race Committee - Thanks for the most enjoyable marathon I've ever run. I've done a bunch of Pittsburgh's and Chicago & a couple others. Of the bunch, Steamtown is #1 for best start (I loved the buses to the starting line and the set up at the high school with the student volunteers and the facilities was great), most scenic route, and best food at the end. And most importantly, the camaraderie among runners, spectators and officials is the best. All this and I didn't even run a good time (3:54 plus). I do one marathon per year & can't wait until next year's Steamtown.
Russ L.
I would like to thank you and your team for providing an absolutely perfect marathon experience in Scranton, PA. The Steamtown Marathon was just my second marathon but I can’t imagine that it gets any better! What a quaint town, a wonderful course, great support staff, bands and cheerleaders, and yeah, who ordered that unbelievable weather? These perfect conditions allowed me to set a new PR by 12 minutes! Please send my thanks to ‘John’ the 3:40 – 3:45 pace group leader. John did an outstanding job at keeping us on pace and telling stories along the way.
Plan on seeing my name on the registration list next year!
Terrel W.
Loved it! Still my favorite. Dragged 7 people from Atlanta to run it with me and they loved it too! I read an article about making Steamtown bigger - please don’t! This race is perfect. There is nothing like your volunteers and the feeling that I am more than a number.
Becca C., Atlanta, GA
Maybe it sounds corny, but when I run in the Steamtown Marathon, I think this is the way life should be! So many people support each other for a wonderful course. This was my 6th Steamtown, and I loved it. Thanks for everything.
Kathy K., Buffalo, NY
You are all awesome!!! Being my first Steamtown, I now see why it is considered such an awesome race: first class organization from pre thru post race; outstanding organizers, officials, volunteers, facilities, scenery; challenging course – EVERYTHING. I see why people call this one of the top 10 marathons in the country!!! Thank you for a job well done and an event well run!
Walton, Severna Park, MD
I just wanted to say thank you again for organizing such a wonderful marathon. Both last year and this year were terrific races and I especially notice the terrific organization, friendly atmosphere, helpful volunteers, pretty course, plenty of water stations, and great weather (even that you arranged for us)!! You do a great job making it as easy as possible for the runners before, during, and after the race. I can only imagine how exhausting putting on a race like this must be, but you can be extremely proud of your efforts and those of your whole organization.
Sharon V., CT
It was one of the greatest experiences of my life! The volunteers were wonderful and really kept this first-timer going. The water and Gatorade stops were plentiful and the popsicles that an early stop handed out really helped.
Jim L., Spring Lake, NJ
Everything was fantastic from Forest City to Scranton. Everybody was friendly and helpful. I can’t imagine a marathon that has more support than Steamtown. People were everywhere on the course helping out. The race is wonderful. Suggest you resist any temptation to try to change it.
Kevin P., Binghamton, NY
This was without a doubt the greatest race experience that I have ever had! The organization, support along the course and the wonderful folks in the communities along the route who even stuck around to encourage slow pokes like me made this a real joy to participate in. You all should be very proud of your accomplishment. Thank you.
Munroe C.
We would like to commend you, your race committee and volunteers for an excellent race. We were really impressed that everyone, including the spectators, made us feel special and did a great job of personalizing it even with all the runners participating. We have been in smaller marathons and we weren’t pampered as much.
We liked your last minute e-mails with news and encouragement. Also thought the pasta and post race parties were one of the best we’ve been to. And the kids and principal at Forest City High School did a nice job of welcoming us. The stretching and massages before and after the race were very much appreciated. Of course I didn’t remember any of this special treatment while going up that last hill but I guess you got to throw in some challenges to really make us remember this marathon. And we will!
4 runners from Michigan.
The race was everything that everyone here in Williamsport promised it to be. Wonderful scenery, nice relaxed pasta party, nicely organized. Stellar volunteers (especially those kids at the school in the morning, so pleasant!) and great crowd support. I started the race feeling like, “it was my race.” I promise to come back. Steamtown rocks!
Barb L
I participated in this year’s marathon and must congratulate you on a great event. I am writing an article for our running club’s newsletter and want to get my facts correct. It seemed there were more volunteers than runners. Is this true? Again, well done! I highly recommend this race to all marathoners from novice to veterans.
Andy H., Queens, N.Y.
Well here it is Thursday and I’m finally feeling the soreness subside and putting in some gentle miles. I didn’t want to let the opportunity pass to let you know what a wonderful marathon you put on – you folks are writing and rewriting the book on successful marathon planning….Everytime I finish Steamtown (this has been my third) I know I’ll be back. So thank you one and all – you do your towns and city proud.
Bobby M., Easton, PA
I want to congratulate you on the great organization of Steamtown 2003! This was my first marathon and my goal was to finish (running!). I was so impressed with the support and dedication of all the volunteers and citizens of the towns! Just when I felt like I could not make it any further (around mile 22), I ran by a HUGE cheering section that just pushed me to the end. The last few miles I did a run/walk combination…but the sounds of the cheers helped me to run the last mile and sprint over the finishing line. This was one of the best experiences of my life. Thank you to Steamtown for everything!
Andrea R., PA
All in all, an excellent, diverse trek on a beautiful fall day through a succession of PA mountain towns.
Thanks to all of the supporters, volunteers and kudos to the organizers. Bus to the start works great. Fluids and porta-potties plentiful. Mile markers visible. Traffic was never an issue. Finish chute and food were fine. Nice T-shirt and okay finisher's medal. I could have been faster at Steamtown, but not more impressed!
Doug H., Arlington, VA
I wanted to send a HUGE THANK-YOU to the entire race committee, volunteers, cheerleaders, fans, etc. for all your support and hard work. I can definitely say this was the most organized and most beautiful marathon I have ever run. Everyone was so helpful and friendly. I know there is a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, and I just wanted to let you know that it is very appreciated! See you next year!
Maria C.
