Steamtown Marathon

View on map
Sports & AdventureScranton
Dates11 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceSteamtown has built a reputation as one of
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Steamtown Marathon in Scranton

The Steamtown Marathon is a point-to-point, 26.2-mile road race held each October in Northeastern Pennsylvania, run the Sunday before Columbus Day. Founded in 1996 by Scranton Organized Area Runners with the Scranton Cultural Center and the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the course starts at Forest City High School and finishes at Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton, capped at 3,000 runners who typically fill every entry.

Its regional race reputation and fall timing make it a useful sports/adventure row.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Steamtown has built a reputation as one of the fastest Boston Marathon qualifying courses in the country, thanks to a net downhill, USA Track and Field certified route dropping through 13 small communities in the Lackawanna Valley before reaching Scranton

02

The mystery stays covered

In the years after its founding, between 22 and 25 percent of finishers routinely qualified for Boston, a rate that once ranked among the top handful of marathons nationwide, and a 2009 Runner's World survey named it one of the six best overall marathons in the United States

03

The city starts moving

The race also functions as a major charitable engine for the region: since 1996 it has raised more than $1

04

The water draws everyone in

Joseph's Center, serving families in need and children with disabilities

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race is organized annually by Scranton Organized Area Runners in partnership with the Scranton Cultural Center and the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and its charitable partnership with St

The sacred route

Living ritual

Joseph's Center has been part of the event since its founding in 1996

The local code

Living ritual

making community fundraising as central to the race's identity as its reputation for fast qualifying times

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

11 October 2026

Getting around

Shuttle/start logistics are central.

What to wear

Runners should dress for a cool mid-October morning in Northeastern Pennsylvania, typically starting in the 30s to 40s Fahrenheit and warming through the race, with layers that can be shed...

Safety

Steamtown Marathon is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Scranton

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map41.41 N, 75.66 WOpen in Google Maps

Scranton, PA

TransportShuttle/start logistics are central.
Stay areaScranton

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Scranton via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Scranton, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearRunners should dress for a cool mid-October morning in Northeastern Pennsylvania, typically starting in the 30s to 40s Fahrenheit and warming through the race, with layers that can be shed and discarded along the course. Spectators should bring warm layers and a windbreaker for standing outdoors at the start, along the route, or near the finish.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Steamtown Marathon?

Steamtown Marathon is listed for 11 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Steamtown Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Scranton, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Scranton, PA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLsteamtownmarathon.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates11 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Argungu Fishing Festival

Past edition: 11–14 February 2026

Argungu, Nigeria
Photo pending

Bay to Breakers

Past edition: 17 May 2026

San Francisco, United States
Photo pending

Daytona 500

Past edition: 15 February 2026

Daytona Beach, United States
Photo pending

Daytona Bike Week

Past edition: 27 February–8 March 2026

Daytona Beach, United States

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →