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The Steamtown Marathon is a scenic, point-to-point 26.2-mile race through northeastern Pennsylvania, widely regarded as one of the fastest marathons in the United States and a top destination for runners chasing a Boston qualifier. With a net elevation drop of approximately 955 feet from start to finish, the course gives runners a real shot at a PR — and an unforgettable autumn weekend in the Pocono Mountains.
Course Profile
The race starts in Forest City and winds through 14 small communities — Vandling, Carbondale, Mayfield, Jermyn, Archbald, Eynon, Olyphant, Dickson City, Throop, Dunmore, Scranton, and more — finishing at Scranton’s historic Courthouse Square. Runners pass rolling farmland, working coal-country towns, and red-and-gold Pennsylvania fall foliage. The course is mostly downhill with a few rolling sections in the middle miles, making pacing strategy a key part of the experience.
Boston Qualifier Reputation
Steamtown is consistently ranked among the top 10 fastest marathons in the U.S. and is a favorite of runners targeting Boston qualifying times. A large percentage of finishers each year hit a BQ, and the race is officially certified and sanctioned by USATF. Combined with the supportive small-town atmosphere and cool October weather, it’s a stronger PR opportunity than most major-city marathons.
Race Details
- Location: Forest City → Scranton, PA (point-to-point)
- Next Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Distance: Marathon (26.2 Mile)
- Elevation: 955-foot net drop start to finish
- Field Size: ~2,500 marathoners (capped, lottery in high-demand years)
- Category: Road Marathon — Boston qualifier, fast course
Community Impact
The Steamtown Marathon is a charity event that benefits the residents of St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton, a nonprofit serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every entry directly supports that mission, giving runners a meaningful “why” alongside the BQ chase.
Register and learn more on the official Steamtown Marathon website.
The Steamtown Marathon is a scenic, point-to-point 26.2-mile race through northeastern Pennsylvania, widely regarded as one of the fastest marathons in the United States and a top destination for runners chasing a Boston qualifier. With a net elevation drop of approximately 955 feet from start to finish, the course gives runners a real shot at a PR — and an unforgettable autumn weekend in the Pocono Mountains.
Course Profile
The race starts in Forest City and winds through 14 small communities — Vandling, Carbondale, Mayfield, Jermyn, Archbald, Eynon, Olyphant, Dickson City, Throop, Dunmore, Scranton, and more — finishing at Scranton’s historic Courthouse Square. Runners pass rolling farmland, working coal-country towns, and red-and-gold Pennsylvania fall foliage. The course is mostly downhill with a few rolling sections in the middle miles, making pacing strategy a key part of the experience.
Boston Qualifier Reputation
Steamtown is consistently ranked among the top 10 fastest marathons in the U.S. and is a favorite of runners targeting Boston qualifying times. A large percentage of finishers each year hit a BQ, and the race is officially certified and sanctioned by USATF. Combined with the supportive small-town atmosphere and cool October weather, it’s a stronger PR opportunity than most major-city marathons.
Race Details
- Location: Forest City → Scranton, PA (point-to-point)
- Next Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Distance: Marathon (26.2 Mile)
- Elevation: 955-foot net drop start to finish
- Field Size: ~2,500 marathoners (capped, lottery in high-demand years)
- Category: Road Marathon — Boston qualifier, fast course
Community Impact
The Steamtown Marathon is a charity event that benefits the residents of St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton, a nonprofit serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Every entry directly supports that mission, giving runners a meaningful “why” alongside the BQ chase.
Register and learn more on the official Steamtown Marathon website.