Steamtown Marathon Website: Testimonials Page

Steamtown Marathon Mailbag (2007)

Another fantastic job by all involved with this year's Steamtown Marathon. Just cannot brag up this event enough to fellow runners. Having completed 8 or 9 (too old to remember all of them), I never get tired of the enthusiasm of the committee and volunteers, Pasta dinner, Bus ride up, early morning revelers in Forest City, comfortable warm-up area INSIDE, short hopper lines, Awesome cannon start, best water stop volunteers anywhere, cheering spectators the whole length of the race, great Downtown finish line, great help after the finish and then, my favorite food, PIEROGIES!! It's impossible to thank everyone involved and all those along the way, but please know that so many of us runners absolutely love Steamtown. It is an experience that makes fulfilling ones goal so memorable. Bob W.

This was a great experience. The Expo Mass, the volunteers (fine young folks!), the crowd (even granny on the porch), the scenery, the variety, the food, the towns, good (fast) declines, and I could go on (oh, humorous emails).... I trained all summer in San Antonio (mid-70s is not "hot" to me). Congrats to everyone involved...you made it great for me and I will be back. B.R. from San Antonio, TX

SM marked my first full marathon, and I'm pleased I chose it. The outpouring of community support was incredible. Folks not associated with the race offered water, fruit, candy, brownies, and beer along the course. (What more could a girl want?!) I expected the declines to be steeper; my quads felt fine. The last three inclines, however, caught me off-guard. They were punishing. Still, the overall experience was cash! D. R. from Pennsylvania

This was my second marathon and first smaller one and I have to say smaller is better. The organization was first rate, crowd support was awesome, and the course was seductive as hell. Water stations every two miles and EMT's patroling the course on bicycles. A sag wagon, ambulances and some of the best crowds I have ever encountered. It was the first race I have ever run where I smiled most of the time. The first miles are downhill and that false sense of security grabbed me in spite of the advices of the experts. The later uphills punished me. I can't say enough about what a great running experience this was. I will definitely be back next year. J. M. from Phila, PA

This was a wonderful experience. From the moment we got to Scranton, we experienced some of the warmest support from volunteers, fellow runners, waitresses, hotel staff, and anyone who found out we were running. It is definitely possible to run well here, although training on hills (both up and down) is recommended. Though there are many great fall marathons that I have left to run, this one will always be memorable. Besides - BQ, baby! J. H. from Somerville, MA

Steamtown was my first marathon and all I have to say is WOW. From start to finish, you will get a first-class event. The course was a little demanding for a newbie like me, but I made it! The spectators and volunteer support were outstanding. KUDOS to all who came out to support the runners. The important question is: Would I run this race again? HELL YES! W. Z. from Bethlehem, PA

Photo Courtesy of: Kathy Marx Photography

I will simply repeat what I wrote in 2005: 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 for the 6th time in 2008. E.C. from Raritan Borough, NJ

Although the weather was a bit "steamy", this year's Steamtown Marathon was even better than the last. Again, I was amazed at the outstanding organization, helpful volunteers, and enthusiastic crowd. We had a wonderful time at the historic site, and I plan on making Steamtown a tradition each fall. Thanks again for putting on such a great race! A.G. from Mount Joy, PA

This was my 9th marathon, including 2 in California and one in Warsaw and NEVER have I had this level of support. It wasn't just about the #'s it was about HOW everyone treated you from the volunteers to the spectators. It 'rubbed off' on all of us participating because even in that horrible heat, people were smiling, laughing, and doing the best we could to encourage each other particularly as we hit those last few hills. J. G. M. from Lorton, VA

I just want to thank all the volunteers, organizations members and all the people around the course, definitely this has been the best Marathon that I have run, the support and the organization were first class, even though we have rough climate conditions. I improved my PR by 8 minutes and definitely, I will be back to Scranton again, the course is tough but challenging, I like very much the route...well done everybody!!! A. B. from Chihuahua Mexico, living in Michigan

Just wanted to say, Steamtown was a great experience. I have only run one other marathon, 10 years ago, but do get involved in the local running scene. I was very impressed by the well-organized Steamtown, everything was great... from the e-mails which I always looked forward to, to the shuttle buses, the volunteers, the plentiful water/Gatorade stations, and the post-race party (at which we danced to every song - ouch!). But I have to say, the volunteers and spectators made it all worth while. They were all so encouraging, helpful, polite and cheerful - I was truly impressed and grateful. Although I am not entertaining thoughts of running any more marathons in the near future (I am still hobbling down stairs), I would attempt Steamtown again in a minute. You guys were awesome!! A.U.

I want to let you know that yesterday’s Steamtown Marathon was absolutely fabulous. Every single detail was perfectly orchestrated, and it was the most outstanding experience. This was my first marathon, and I can’t imagine running it anywhere else. I ran with three other women, and we quickly became known as “The pink ladies.” The support volunteers and the crowds of people in every town we ran through were amazing! Every time we started to question whether or not we could make it the rest of the way, we either ran upon a cheering crowd, a marching band, a group of cheerleaders, wonderfully loud music, or even a little boy sitting on the sidewalk playing a toy drum for us—all of which gave us the strength and encouragement to keep on going. We were just shocked at the numbers of people in every town that came out to support the runners—even us runners who took five hours to complete the race! I can truly say my friends and I, the pink ladies, had a blast running 26.2 miles!! This marathon came highly recommended to us as a first marathon, and we certainly know why. I will surely recommend Steamtown to any of my friends looking for their first or their next marathon. Thanks a million for a fantastic day and memories to last a lifetime!! Mary Ann S. from York, PA

I attended your 12th marathon this weekend. My 10th one, my 1st Steamtown. Your marathon is the 1st on my list. I have done 10 different marathons in this last 8 years, and yours is at the top of my list (my time was horrible), but the people were wonderful, Water, and everything else you would ever need was right there. Thank you so much for making my day some-what great. When I got back home, I told everyone they should do the Steamtown marathon next year. J.T. from Freehold, N.J.

I wish to thank you all for a memorable day. This was my first Steamtown marathon and I found everything, except the humidity, to be wonderful. The volunteers were great, the fans were awesome and the local restaurants we visited were superb. My wife and I actually went to the University of Scranton and graduated in 1988. We usually visit the University every 3 years or so and always enjoy our visits back to Scranton. I appreciated your emails the most leading up to the race. More people should have your attitude toward life. J. S.

I wanted to thank you for putting on another awesome marathon. I ran your race last year and was so impressed with how well it was organized. This year 14 runners from our local club joined me. They are all experienced marathoners. A lot of them have 15 marathons under their belts. Everybody only had good things to say about your race. Most of the runners agreed that out of all the marathons they have done, yours is the one that is the best organized. C.G. from Connecticut

Photo Courtesy of:  Kathy Marx Photography

While I am sure that you receive many accolades. I really did feel as though M.r King's Expo comments that Steamtown endeavored to treat all runners as though they were an elite runner, were correct.
Examples for me were:

Super start at the Forest City High school, it beats me why those High Schoolers would want to get up so early and seem very happy to be there, but they were. This was by far the best "getting ready for the start" location that I have experienced.
Similar comment about the bands on the route, in other Marathons the bands appeared to be thinking "Why did I agree to this?".
Waiting about 5 seconds to be given my bag back at the finish, compared to waiting and freezing for 45 minutes at Boston this year.
The showers at the end, again compared to normally a long time waiting to clean up.

I also liked that some of the money ended up with the children that we saw in wheelchairs on the route. Thanks for volunteering and running this marathon. I look forward to receiving next year's application. P. D.

This is the second time that I have run the Steamtown Marathon and it was the best! You people in Scranton and surrounding areas really know how to support runners! Last year I ran it and qualified for Boston-it was an honor to go there-but my favorite and best experience is at the Steamtown Marathon. I hope you can incorporate a half marathon with it-I know my husband would love to run it! Thanks for all the emails and updates-the best run marathon that I've been to-I'm sure you're all glad that it's over-but you did an excellent job and deserve the right to be proud of the work you all did! I'll be back next year-thanks for playing the Rocky theme at the last mile!!! It was awesome! P.E. from Dryden, New York

I only wish I could write an email that would express how wonderful I thought your marathon weekend was. First let me start out by saying GREAT JOB to everyone involved. I can't express what a super job everyone did. I didn't run it to anybody who wasn't happy or helpful. I still don't know how you manage to get high school students to get up that early on a day off to volunteer at start. Best event I have ever been too. Please try to get a little cooler weather for next year.

GREAT JOB !!!! D.L.

I had heard a lot of good things about the Steamtown experience but could not appreciate it until I ran the race myself. The entire event, from the informative emails to the clockwork-like expo and the wonderful host of volunteers along the course made for a truly memorable experience. Kudo's to you and your organization for a fabulous job. B.M.

This was my first marathon and it was incredible! The locals were amazing, as were all of the race volunteers with the lovely orange shirts. I'm not sure if you were the nice man with the mustache getting everything together at the finish on Saturday afternoon, but my group loved you! The weather was very similar to the Atlanta weather that I trained in this summer. I was one of the last three to cross the start and still managed to pass 50 other participants before running to the finish line in 5:32. The course was beautiful and I loved all of the church bells ringing. I must write the pope and thank him for that papal decree... nice touch. I loved the train museum today (and the free admission!). In all seriousness, I have zero, yes, zero complaints! Bravo! I will return! A.C. from Acworth, GA

Thank you for making my first marathon a wonderful experience all around!! I was more than impressed with the organization of the event; from the website, to the emails (which were worth the entry fee in themselves), to the newsletter, maps, expo, bus ride, course volunteers, everything! Despite the heat, I (and my family) really had a great time! I will highly recommend the Steamtown Marathon in the future! R.M. from Port Matilda, PA

We had another absolutely wonderful time in Scranton. Thank you so much for the great organization of the marathon. The weather was muggy, but really could have been much worse had the sun come out and had those little drizzles not happened. Of course, I'm slower than slow, but actually finished a couple of minutes earlier than last year. The course was great, and the driveway band in the first few miles was a nice addition. The people in Green Ridge were amazing, better than ever. And the people who put out the hoses were wonderful. I had pockets full of candy, but actually had a lot left at the end because I got so much food on the street, even a brownie at mile 21. K.K. from New York

Thank you so much for executing such a well-organized race. The additional care and precaution that you put into the race in light of the heat and humidity showed. The Forest City high school students were outstanding. I am also grateful to the amazing volunteers and the local supporters. I am touched by the people who came out to cheer and those who offered bottled water, ice and garden hoses as the heat began to climb. G.C.

I just wanted to day thanks to all for a great race yesterday. I have run fifteen different marathons all over the country, and I have to say that Steamtown is one of the best. Your organization, support and execution were really terrific. The witty emails were a big plus too.
See you all next year. M.A.

Just wanted to send a note of appreciation. I have run other marathons but this was by far the best. Your plethora of smiling volunteers was simply amazing. The amount of local support was fantastic. Thank you for making my experience an enjoyable one. I will definitely return to this race! Mandy B.

Just a quick THANK YOU. Having water and Gatorade stops every 2 miles and then every mile (I don’t even know if that was you or the home owners?) made me get through this marathon. Effortlessly I might add. I truly believe if there wasn’t so much in the way of water and Gatorade I would have dehydrated. You did a GREAT job of that. I heard someone talking on TV about Chicago saying "If they had enough water out here this wouldn’t have happened!” and I thought how great Steamtown DID have enough. So thank you!!! Tamme S.

Photo Courtesy of: Kathy Marx Photography

My only regret is that I could not run the first 24 miles in about 3 hours, as this would have given me an hour or two to really enjoy the Green Ridge neighborhood at the 24 mile mark..those folks can sure party, and as I told a few of them, I couldn't imagine the finish line being any better! Also, can you please advise when any houses come on the market there?Steve H.

I think you all did a great job. I have never seen so many volunteers in my life. How did you get so many people to work on a Sunday? I thought the race was very well organized, and I've done hundreds of races. I wouldn't worry too much about that courthouse construction. Everyone got what they needed. I thought the people along the course were great. Barry H.

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your race. This was the third time I ran Steamtown and it continues to be my favorite marathon. The volunteers are fantastic, the fans are great and the location and scenery are terrific. Please extend my thanks to all of those involved. Dennis M from Allentown, PA

Just want to thank you for organizing a great race under trying circumstances. All the 'water' stop volunteers were terrific- special thanks to a gentleman who handed me a COLD small bottle of Gatorade- I think it was just before entering the first trail portion of the race- Life's little pleasures. And to the 'food' aid station where I had 4 or 5 fig Newton's (most food bothers me but fig Newton's are as good as an energy bar for a quick lift) Barry A. from Greenlawn, LI NY--

I'm a marathon newbie and yesterday's Steamtown event was my first. I can only say that if every race I register for is half as much fun, half as professional, then I will thoroughly enjoy my marathoning experience. Wow! You guys (Youse guys...cause I'm from NEPA) put on a first class event. Thanks to you and your great staff of volunteers and workers. This was a tremendous experience for me and I will certainly recommend your race to others I know thinking about making the big jump to 26.2! See you next year! Greg P.

I know you are most likely swamped with emails but I just had to write to express my thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who make this race possible. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and support before, during, and after the race. I was amazed! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! When I thought I could not possibly lift my legs (cramping) one more step, the spirit of the volunteers along the course helped me to keep forward motion... see you next year! Amy D.

Your marathon was well organized and the volunteers were fantastic. The bus pickup was great and well organized. I don't think we waited more than 3 minutes to board a bus. Every volunteer, including those pesky teenagers, were wonderful. You could see they were really enthusiastic about being there and helping the runners along. The water stops were great which is so helpful in that heat. Everyone was calling out what they had, whether it was Gatorade or water. Knowing the colors of the cups was also helpful (blue for water, green for Gatorade as I heard one annoyed runner yelling to another who kept yelling out for water). They were also very encouraging. The course is beautiful and the residents along the way are great and supportive. It's great seeing a family sitting on their lawn cheering everyone on as you pass even though they most likely don't know most of the runners. Laureen F.

Just want to thank you and your staff for putting on a spectacular event yesterday morning. I've done 7 of these (5 this year so my memory is pretty good) and Steamtown was, by far, the best. Starting with the hospitality at Forest City HS, the churches ringing their bells as we ran thru town, the volunteers thru-out the course and the many "unofficial" volunteers (the residents - both lining the streets and handing out water/etc. of their own expense), I have never had an experience quite like this. Sure the weather was not the best, but it could of been much worse and my guess is most runners took heed the advice of hydration. Lucky for us the sun never came out. Thanks again for putting on a fantastic event. John P.

Thanks for putting on a great race yesterday. It was my third and again everything worked like clockwork (except the weather, but at least you avoided the Chicago and DC nightmares). The volunteers and the crowd support along the way - from the cheerleaders in Forest City to the Marching Band in Carbondale to the scores of porch waving grandmothers all the way from Simpson to Olyphant - make Steamtown a great race. I did Marine Corp last year and you guys have those guys beat in putting on an excellent race. Plus...nothing beats your e-mails! David W. from Havertown, PA

Thanks to you, all the staff and volunteers for a great marathon. All the positive runner reviews that I read prior to signing up for Steamtown, turned out to be true. The organization, support, course and communication were great. And I qualified for Boston on my first marathon! Mark M.

The race was so well -organized, the volunteers so friendly and numerous, and the crowds so encouraging! I had a great race day thanks to all your - and all the local Scranton-ites' - hard work, and I am greatly appreciative. All your communications (funny and informative!) and the kind reception we all had by anyone affiliated with the race made this race one of the best I have encountered. No wonder why other runners from Annapolis had spoken so highly of Steamtown. Congratulations on creating such a great event for your community. I missed qualifying for Boston by about 4 minutes, so I'm sure to be back next year to try again. Sarah J.

Please extend (I am not sure how you'd do this) a sincere thank you to the hundreds of people lining the
entire course on Sunday morning/afternoon. Whether they were true official "volunteers" or just folks out
to watch the wackos run by their clapping, encouragement, and cheers are worth more than anything while you're running out there. I'm not sure they realize how important they are and how much they mean to us (and I didn’t know a soul!). Sue and Brian L.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. This was my second marathon, my first being NYC. Thank you for your informative and very funny emails. Thank you for preparing me so well. Please send a thank-you to each and every volunteer. I can’t tell you how the hometown feel of kids of every age at the high school, and the water stations helped me along the way. Please thank the community for allowing us to intrude on their day, for coming out and lending a helping “way to go, runners”. The dirt and woodchip trails were really fun. I really enjoyed everything except the actual running, which really became a drag the last six miles. I hope to return next year. Again, thank you for a really great race and race experience. Veronica H. from Chatham, NJ

Thank you for an excellent race. We have run marathons and Ironman races around the country and have never seen such great support at a race. We will recommend this race to every one of our many racing companions and hope to see you again next year. Thank you and everyone along the course for all the amazing support. Josh and Meghan S.

Wanted to get back to you to let you know how our running group thought about the race. Overall, it was one of the best organized and friendliest races that we have run. We have raced Chicago, Philadelphia, Marine Corp, New York, Toronto, and Virginia Beach and some multiple times and your race won! Laura Y.

I have to say that, my first experience running Steamtown was in 2000. By far the best race I've ever run (personally) and also the best organized race I've attended. 2007 was no different (except for my finishing time. Heat is a great way to explain away a poor running time!) I was so impressed by the quality of the race, the organization, the care of all the volunteers, and the seamless way the whole event went from start to finish. No lines for anything (port o johns to chip pick up!) I will definitely run again and I want to commend your whole committee for another OUTSTANDING race. Other events could learn a few things from you guys. Ingrid G.

I would just like to thank you for a superb race. I have done over 100 road races/triathlons in the last 15 years and this was one of the most well organized. I appreciated all the (humorous) emails, nice dry fit shirt and bag, extra water, outstanding/cheerful volunteers, and easy shuttle service. Also, I was very impressed that the high school was open for us to wait in that morning. I have a dear friend who lives in Scranton and her family is one of the race sponsor's so I was happy to visit her and finally participate in the race. Thank you again for everything. I have no complaints. Donna C.

I just wanted to say “Thank You”! I decided to do Steamtown as my 4^th marathon – trying to qualify for Boston – and am in that group that missed it by about 10 mins. But I had a new PR by about 15 mins. the fastest first ½ in my life and all in all I really, really enjoyed this race – the “Help” along the race was wonderful – the runners – the helpers the neighborhoods – were all just super! I will come back – you put on a wonderful race and hey “something” always happens no matter how well we plan – but that’s okay! Even with the “screaming” quads – it was well worth it all! I am really glad I wasn’t in Chicago – we at least had cloudy skies! Your emails have been great – I have looked forward to them! Thank you and to all those that worked so hard to put this on! Sheila S.

Thank you, and all your volunteers, for a great race!!! My mind is boggled by the coordination and cooperation you had to achieve to pull this off!!! Fabulous job!!! From my vantage point the event was flawless! Nancy D.

I was a first time Steamtown runner, my 6th marathon overall. My past experiences only included Disney and NYC - a measly 36,000 runners each &^%$#!!&(*). I can not congratulate and thank you all enough! From your thorough and HILARIOUS e-mails to your snail mail follow up, to the directions to activities and points, to the amazing and friendly
volunteers at every point and step along the way. Although I failed miserably at my Boston qualifying time, it was an incredible experience. Thanks so much for the awe-inspiring hours that all of you must have put in and thank you for a world class opportunity right in little, old northeast PA. Kimberly K.

I really enjoyed the race (as much as one can enjoy running 26.2 miles), the race organization, and the crowd support along the whole route. I also appreciate your arranging for the cloud cover, which could have made an uncomfortable day into a truly miserable one (witness the Chicago Marathon and the Army 10 miler in Washington, DC). I came to Steamtown at the advice of a number of my running club (Reston Runners) who liked the course, the race organization, and the crowd support. I'll also be talking up Steamtown. Of course, turning in a 2 minute PR helps with my fond memories. BTW, my daughter (who also ran) and I really enjoyed your e-mails. The information is great (not like those canned e-mails from other races that merely repeat what's on the web site) and the humor is absolutely first rate. I heard a number of other runners comment favorably, too. Jim R. from Vienna, VA

Photo Courtesy of: Kathy Marx Photography

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