Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States
The Steamtown Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each October on a net-downhill point-to-point from Forest City to downtown Scranton, Pennsylvania. The course descends through the Pocono foothills and Lackawanna Valley on scenic country roads with autumn foliage. October's peak Pennsylvania colour and the fast descent make it a popular Boston-qualifier in the Anthracite Coal Region.
Steamtown Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Steamtown Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 11 October 2026 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill then mostly flat layout.
The Steamtown Marathon is a point-to-point road that starts in Forest City, PA and finishes in downtown Scranton at the Steamtown National Historic Site. The point-to-point route descends through the Lackawanna Valley on country roads. The opening sections are the easiest because they stay higher and more rolling, while the long descent in the second half is fast but demanding on tired legs. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.
The Steamtown Marathon course is net downhill then mostly flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
The Steamtown Marathon uses open online registration at steamtownmarathon.com for the October race. The field of roughly 1,500 finishers is capped and sells out quickly on a first-come basis — no qualifying time required despite the net-downhill point-to-point course's Boston-qualifier reputation.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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