Steamtown Marathon: Why Sitting in Traffic This Sunday Morning is a Good Thing
By: Jon Casey | Sportzwire | October 7, 2024 | Photo courtesy Jon Casey
Steamtown Marathon: Why Sitting in Traffic This Sunday Morning is a Good Thing
It’s that time of year again—school is back in full swing, fall sports are wrapping up, and pumpkin spice is everywhere you turn. And if you’re from the valley in Lackawanna County, you know what else is here: the Steamtown Marathon. Since 1996, runners have been making their way down the heart of the valley into downtown Scranton, bringing a mix of excitement and, yes, some traffic headaches. For some, this marathon is a beloved event, a day of celebration and achievement. For others, it can be viewed as a day of inconvenience, and that’s understandable. You may wonder, couldn’t the race be run on private land or a track? The answer is yes, but that would take away from what the Steamtown Marathon really means. If you take a closer look, you’ll find that almost every person involved—runners, spectators, and volunteers—is there for a greater purpose. Volunteers give their time to support the runners and set them up for success, from planning to race-day logistics. Spectators line the course, cheering on strangers with heartfelt enthusiasm. And the runners themselves each have a story and a goal—whether it’s to qualify for the Boston Marathon, set a personal best, or simply prove to themselves that they can conquer the distance. Many of them are running for a cause and to bring about positive change.
Introducing Build-N-Athlete
Running this year’s marathon will be a team of passionate individuals representing Build-N-Athlete, a new nonprofit that aims to make sports accessible for all kids. Our mission is simple: we want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in sports, regardless of financial constraints. We provide sports equipment to children who need it, breaking down the financial barriers that prevent so many from experiencing the joy, teamwork, and discipline that athletics offer. We believe sports have the power to change lives. They teach valuable skills like resilience, discipline, and teamwork, and they create a sense of belonging. At Build-N-Athlete, we want to empower the next generation by making sure they have the gear they need to get in the game. With a dedicated team running the Steamtown Marathon, we hope to bring awareness to our mission and raise the funds needed to support young athletes in our community.
The Bigger Picture
As a community, we are moving in the right direction. No longer is Lackawanna County a place people feel they need to leave; instead, it’s becoming a place where people want to stay, grow, and thrive. The youth sports community is flourishing, and entities like Sportzwire are elevating young athletes, allowing them to dream big and inspiring others to work hard to achieve their goals. At Build-N-Athlete, we share that vision. Our goal is to get more kids involved in sports, help them thrive, and foster a sense of community. So, while you may be stuck in traffic this Sunday, remember that it’s for something good—a sign of progress, hope, and a chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. If you see a member of Team Build-N-Athlete on the course, give them a shout or a honk of encouragement. We appreciate all the support that has been shown so far. If you or someone you know is struggling to afford the cost of sports for their children, please reach out to us at www.buildnathlete.org or check us out on Facebook.
Bonus: Course Preview and Fun Facts
If you’re a runner tackling the Steamtown Marathon, or a young athlete dreaming of taking on this challenge one day, this part is for you! Starting in Forest City, you’ll feel the energy from all the volunteers and students cheering you on—it’s the perfect way to kick off a race. Once the cannon fires, you’re off! Be prepared for a few tight streets at the start, with lots of excited runners around. This marathon is known for its downhill elevation profile, but don’t be fooled—it’s tougher than it looks. The steep downhills in the early miles can be punishing on your legs if you start too fast, and the final stretch—the infamous Green Ridge hills—tests even the best runners. With the last few miles full of rolling hills, it feels like a true test of grit and determination. The finish line in downtown Scranton is nothing short of electric. After 26.2 miles, you’ll feel like you’re running on pure adrenaline as you cross the line to cheers from the crowd. It’s a feeling that words can’t capture, but one that will stay with you for a lifetime. And as always—there ain’t no party like a Scranton party!
Fun Facts About the Steamtown Marathon:
- Boston Qualifier: The Steamtown Marathon is known for being a great qualifier for the Boston Marathon due to its net downhill course. In fact, a significant percentage of runners achieve qualifying times each year.
- History: The marathon has been running since 1996, making it one of the longstanding races in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with thousands of runners crossing the finish line over the decades.
- Net Elevation Loss: The course features a net elevation drop of over 900 feet, which can be both a blessing and a challenge for runners. The downhill sections help with speed, but they can also wear out your quads quickly if you’re not careful.
- The Cannon Start: The race begins with a literal bang—a cannon blast marks the start at Forest City, adding an extra dose of excitement to get runners moving.
- Local Community Involvement: The Steamtown Marathon is unique because of the involvement of local communities, with volunteers from towns all along the route coming out to support runners and make the race a success. From aid stations to cheering sections, the local support is unparalleled.
Good luck to all the runners, and thank you to all the volunteers and spectators who make this such an amazing community event!
