
Scranton, United States of America · Sunday 11 October 2026
The Steamtown Marathon is a 26.2-mile, point-to-point race held each October in Northeastern Pennsylvania, beginning in Forest City and finishing in downtown Scranton. The course passes through 14 historic communities and features a net elevation drop of approximately 955 feet, making it known for its fast times and popularity among runners aiming to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The route includes a notable 4.
Adjusted Time
3:56:35
Time difference: -3.4 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
On our difficulty model, Steamtown Marathon plays about 1 minute slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #872 hardest of 1150 marathons we analyse, and #415 of 575 in United States of America. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Steamtown Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 2:55:44 | −04:16 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:26:06 | −03:54 |
| 4:00:00 | 3:56:35 | −03:25 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:27:10 | −02:50 |
| 5:00:00 | 4:57:50 | −02:10 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:28:34 | −01:26 |
| 6:00:00 | 5:59:23 | −00:37 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Steamtown Marathon is a full marathon held in Scranton, United States of America. It is scheduled for Sunday 11 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 158m of total climbing and around 448m of descent (a net drop of roughly 290m), with its high point near 518m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Steamtown Marathon website.
This is a net-downhill course: it descends roughly 290m more than it climbs (158m of ascent against about 448m of descent), dropping from a high point near 518m toward 217m above sea level. Point-to-point downhill courses like this are among the fastest available for a personal best or a Boston qualifier - just be aware that sustained descending fatigues the quads late in the race, so ease off early and do some downhill running in training.
Based on historical weather data for October, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 11°C to 16°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a moderate chance of rain (29%). Runners may want to prepare for wet conditions but shouldn't expect persistent rainfall.
Steamtown Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Steamtown Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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