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Frequently
Asked Questions
1. Q: Is the Steamtown Marathon a Boston Marathon qualifier?
A: Absolutely! We're USATF-certified and we're a great Boston qualifier.
2.
Q: Is the whole course really downhill?
A:
No.
3.
Q: No? Details man,
details!
A: The entire course isn’t downhill, but a good portion of it is. Steamtown has a 955’ drop in elevation from start to finish and many runners have told us they have set their pr’s here. In fact, Runner’s World has named Steamtown, “One of the 10 fastest marathon courses in the U.S.” Much of the first 7.5 miles is noticeably downhill. In 2001 we changed the course to remove two challenging uphills that had been located between miles 14 and 18 and we even shortened the infamous 'Green Ridge Hill' (between 23 and 24) from eight blocks to three blocks.
4. Q: Can you tell me a little about the Rails to Trails area?
A: The Rails to Trails section runs along the Lackawanna River. It is very scenic and the terrain is level and firm. The runners will really enjoy the fall foliage as they run along the river. We'll make sure we get spectators, etc.. at several key points along the trail and we'll have an aid station located along the trail too.
5.
Q: How many aid stations will be on the course and where will
they be located?
A:
We will place 13 official aid stations on the course, spaced at
approximately two-mile intervals. All
aid stations will have water and Gatorade.
A few will have snacks.
A:
There will be more than 60 port-a-lav’s at the stating line and more
than 10 at the finish line. There will be more than one dozen scattered along the course.
Plus, between mile three and mile six the course is heavily wooded (not
that we are suggesting anything…).
7.
Q: How does the free bus transportation to the starting line
work?
A:
Quite well actually. At 5:30
a.m. on race day 40 school buses and several race officials will arrive at the
intersection of Adams Avenue and Linden Street (Courthouse Square) in Downtown
Scranton. As soon as a bus is
filled with runners it will leave for the start in Forest City, a 45-minute
ride. The last bus leaves at 6:45
a.m. SHARP! As the old saying goes,
“You snooze, you lose.”
8.
Q: Will I find the buses? Are
there places to park?
A:
Don’t panic! Downtown Scranton is fairly small, just five by six blocks.
So as long as you find Downtown you’re bound to find the buses.
There will be plenty of free parking available in Downtown garages, in
lots and on the street. You will
find directions in your confirmation packet to Downtown and to the parking
locations. You’ll also get a map
of Downtown Scranton in your packet.
Download Scranton Map in PDF format.
9.
Q: Can friends and family (non-runners) ride the school buses to
the starting line?
A:
Sorry, but because of a variety of reasons, not the least of which are
the cost to rent the buses and traffic difficulties in Forest City, only runners
may ride the buses. This is a point-to-point race.
If non-runners ride the bus to Forest City, they will most likely be
stranded in Forest City. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
10.
Q: How does baggage drop
off and pick up work?
A: You’ll find a baggage tent at the starting line. Just hand your belongings to a volunteer in the tent. Your belongings will be bagged and transported to the finish area. When you cross the finish line, walk (if you can) to baggage pick up on Courthouse Square and show a volunteer your race number. The volunteer will hand you your bag. Please don’t place anything of great value or anything that’s breakable in your bag.
11.
Q: Are there any good places where family and friends can watch
the race?
A: Yes, we have picked out two great viewpoints. To see detailed driving directions to these viewpoints click here.
12. Q: When will my confirmation packet be mailed to me?
A:
Shortly after August 20. If you are worried that your application might have been lost in the mail, just visit this web site (www.steamtownmarathon.com) and click Registration, or send an email to our Registrar at racecommittee@hotmail.com. The names of all entrants will be posted on the marathon's web site, usually within about two weeks of when applications are received
13.
Q: How early should I
book my hotel room?
A:
As soon as possible. We
recommend you make your reservation the day you mail in your entry form. In
1999, with a field of 2,070 runners, just about all of our local hotel rooms
were filled by race day. If you
need lodging assistance, we recommend you call either the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-229-3526 or marathon
sponsor Around the World Travel at 800-270-0544.
Make your reservations early! For a list of local hotels visit either the web site of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitnepa.org or the web site of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce at www.scrantonchamber.com (Then select Business Directory and search for "hotels).
14.
Q:
Is there a place where I can take a shower after the race?
A: After the race, free shower facilities will be available from 10:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Bishop Hannan High School, just three blocks from the finish line. The school is located at 330 Wyoming Avenue near the corner of Mulberry Street and Wyoming Avenue. Enter from the front door.
15. Q: Do you have an official race photographer?
A: Yes, the official race photographer is TSC Graphics of Westerville, Ohio. TSC will have photographers stationed at the finish and at a few other spots along the course. Well over 90% of all competitors will be photographed. You can contact Tom Madine of TSC by calling 800.765.2502 or e-mailing tmadine@mindspring.com. TSC's web site is ww.runphoto.com. Steamtown photos are expected to be posted on TSC's site by Friday, October 15.
16. Q: When and where is your Race Expo/Packet Pick-Up?
A: Our Race Expo will be held in Scranton High School (a very modern facility - you'll be impressed) on the day before the marathon from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Scranton High School is located on Providence Road just a few blocks outside of Downtown Scranton. A map and directions will be included in your confirmation packet.
The expo will feature packet and t-shirt pick up, clothing sales, an info booth, a Catholic mass and more.
Scranton High School is located on Providence Rd. adjacent to Scranton Memorial Stadium just a few blocks outside of Downtown.
If traveling from points north, take I-81 South to Exit 191B (Scranton Expressway). At bottom of exit ramp, turn right onto expressway. Follow expressway approximately 2.7 miles and take 7th Avenue/Providence Rd. exit. At end of exit ramp turn left at light. Drive ¼ mile. School is on left.
If traveling from points south, take I-81 North to Exit 185 (Central Scranton Expressway). Note: Exit is on left side of highway. Follow expressway just over one mile to Downtown Scranton. Upon entering Downtown, bear right onto Jefferson Ave. Take Jefferson Ave. two blocks to Mulberry St. Make left on Mulberry St. and drive six blocks through Downtown. Leave Downtown on expressway. Travel 1/10th mile and take very first exit. Turn right at bottom of exit ramp. School is on left.
If traveling from NY/NJ metro area, follow 380 South to I-81 North. Take I-81 North to exit 191B (Scranton Expressway). At bottom of exit ramp, turn right onto expressway. Follow expressway approximately 2.7 miles and take 7th Ave./Providence Rd. exit. At end of exit ramp turn left at light. Drive ¼ mile. School is on left.
17. Q:Do all finishers receive a medal?
A: Yes, all finishers receive a very nice engraved medal that hangs from a red, white, and blue ribbon. The medal will be placed around your neck the moment you cross the finish line!
18. Q: I hear that world class distance runner Jon Sinclair and Race Director Bill King will be leading an “easy” 3.57 mile run around Lake Scranton on Saturday, October 11 at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Tell me more and how the heck do I find Lake Scranton?
A: Lake Scranton is the source of Scranton’s main drinking supply. The Lake is also the place where many local runners train for The Steamtown Marathon. It is encircled by a 3.57 mile asphalt path. The path is mostly level with a few modest ups and downs (nothing major). And, because the path forms a complete loop, it is virtually impossible to get lost.
Some directions and a map follow. However, please note that Jon and Bill will meet in the main parking lot at 8:25 a..m. on Saturday. When driving to the Lake on Route 307 South, pass the Lake on your right, drive about 6/10 of a mile and turn right into the parking area.
Directions if traveling on I-81 South from points north of Scranton: Follow I-81 South to the Moosic Street Exit (Exit 184). At bottom of exit ramp turn left (onto Route 307 South). Drive on Route 307 South just over one mile. You’ll see the Lake on your right. Pass the Lake, drive about 6/10 of a mile, and turn right into the main parking lot.
Directions if traveling on I-81 North from points south of Scranton: Follow I-81 North to the River Street Exit (Exit 184). At end of the exit ramp turn left. Make first right (gas station/convenient mart on right). Drive to bottom of hill. At light at bottom of hill (another gas station/convenient mart on right) turn right onto Route 307 South. Drive on Route 307 South just over one mile. You’ll see the Lake on your right. Pass the Lake, drive 6/10 of a mile, and turn right into the main parking lot.
Directions from Downtown Scranton – take Jefferson Avenue to Central Scranton Expressway. Once on expressway stay in left lane. Follow signs to Route 307 South (aka Moosic Street). Enter residential area. Pass Krispy Kreme Donuts on your left. Continue straight on Moosic Street up hill. Pass car wash on your right. Continue straight through two lights. Once through second light continue staight on Moosic Street/Route 307 South for just over one mile. You’ll see the Lake on your right. Pass the Lake, 6/10 of a mile, and turn right into the main parking lot.
