Whether you’re looking for a mega-marathon, a small town marathon, or a Boston Qualifier, you will find a race in Pennsylvania that matches your criteria. Keep on reading to see which races Runner’s rate as the best marathons in Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh Marathon
The Pittsburgh Marathon hosts approximately 40,000 runners and walkers each year, so rest assured that you’ll be in for a good time. Runners have the opportunity to earn a free race entry by participating in the Run For A Reason Charity Program. Learn how you can participate here.
The Course
The marathon course gives you an exquisite tour of the city of Pittsburgh. On the way to the finish line, you’ll cross three rivers over five different bridges and get a chance to admire the distinct architecture of the city. The course is hilly throughout with the biggest 150 ft climb coming at around mile 12. View the detailed course and elevation map here.
Reviews
“Excellent race! I didn’t had a lot of expectation for this race because I heard it was tough and very hilly. Finally, It was hilly (on the second half) but was manageable. This end up to be my funniest marathon ever. I even did my PR. The course is beautiful and you have the chance to explore Pittsburgh in every aspects. Volonteers were outstanding and the crowd was really great. Yes, this marathon is challenging but if you do the proper training, you won’t regret it!” — P.B., Marathonguide.com Review
“My first time running this marathon and was very impressed with the race organization. The crowds were great and there was a ton of aid along the race route. The downhill at mile 23 also made me VERY happy (and totally made up for the uphill at mile 12.) My first time in Pittsburgh and I found it an interesting city to run through. Would definitely run this again.” — T.O., Marathonguide.com Review
Erie Marathon
The Erie Marathon has grown in popularity over the years due to the incredibly fast and flat course. Runners regularly set PRs and the event boasted a 32% qualifying rate in 2013 for the 2014 Boston Marathon. Entrants are capped at 2500 so be sure to register early to guarantee your participation. Click here registration dates and details.
The Course
The event organizers figure that the course is “possibly the flattest course in the country,” with a total elevation change of only 250 ft. Runners will make two loops around Presque Isle. Most of the course is run on asphalt, but about 1/3 is run on concrete. Take this into consideration if you have a preference for running surfaces.
Image Source: Erie Marathon
Reviews
“If you are looking for a scenic, super flat course to conquer the marathon – this is it! Although there is not a lot of crowd support, there are water stops every mile which make up for it with their never ending energy and assistance. The course was so flat, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. There was always a view of the water, and the course is mostly all shaded. Just beautiful! I highly recommend this course. And to top it off, the race director and others go out of their way to help out and put on a class act all around. Great pre-race pasta dinner too!” — L.W., Marathonguide.com Review
“I agree with most of the other comments about 2013. This is a fast course and I improved on my BQ by 3:45 (just in time to use it to register). There is actually no ‘hill’ at all, just a small bridge. I was worried about the concrete surface on about half of the road. There were actually no well-worn trails next to the road. So every time I tried running on the grass, I quickly got back on the road. It wasn’t the problem I thought it would be. If I lived closer, I’d run this marathon every year.” — David McCorquodale, Marathonguide.com Review
Steamtown Marathon – Scranton
The Steamtown Marathon is another fast course where, on average, 22% to 25% of finishers qualify for the Boston Marathon. In 2009, a Runner’s World online survey of runners voted the Steamtown Marathon as the 6th best overall marathon. Click here learn more about the event.
The Course
One look at the elevation map and you can guess why the course is fast. With a net elevation drop of 955 ft, you will have a good chance at achieving a PR. In response to a question about increasing the pace in the first half, the event organizers offer the following advice :
Many excellent runners have answered this question by advising you to run an even split for both halves of the race. They strongly advise against trying to bank time. Although there is a lot of downhill at Steamtown, especially during the first eight miles, there are several challenging uphills in the final three miles. Going out too fast in the early part of the course will put tremendous strain on your quad muscles and will use up the energy you will need to tackle the tough uphills.
Image Source: Steamtown Marathon
Reviews
“I cannot say enough good things about this race. Steamtown is the perfect size race. They have all the amenities of a large marathon without all the traffic and wait times. It was very well run, great course, people were nice, and very organized with the shuttle/start. And you get to wait inside the school and stay warm prior to the start!!!! The course is definitely a PR course and can be very fast as the majority of the race is down hill. But the three hills at the end can be very challenging. Make sure you leave something in the tank.” — M.T., Marathonguide.com Review
“I ran Steamtown with a bunch of friends in 2014. The weather was perfect, the scenery was gorgeous, the course was challenging, the organization was impeccable and the support (volunteer and spectator) was exemplary. I PR’d, my friend that I ran with PR’d, and another friend who came up with us PR’d and BQ’d. Lots of wonderful restaurants in the Scranton area. This is one I plan to do again with a few more days for eating.” — K.F., Marathonguide.com Review
Philadelphia Marathon
Philadelphia has a rich history in professional sports, so it’s no surprise that the City of Brotherly Love also hosts an impressive marathon with 30,000 participants coming in from all over the world. The event is held on the third weekend of November each year. Click here for registration details.
The Course
The course has many things to like: flat and fast, fall temperatures, electric atmosphere, beautiful scenery and historic landmarks. Put it all together and you’ve got yourself one helluva event.
Image Source: Philadelphia Marathon
Reviews
“I ran Philadelphia in 2013 for my 8th marathon. This is by far my favorite race that I have ran to date. It is pretty flat , fast and very scenic and very well organized. I will definitely be back to run Philly sometime in the years to come and HIGHLY recommend this race to anyone that loves big city marathons.” — John Doonan, Facebook Review
“Well organized at the Expo and Marathon. Fan support was Outstanding!!! The Announcer was fantastic! And the Mayor of Philly was at the race from the start to the finish. Very nice course with some hills, but challenging the last 6.5 miles because of it being a in and out course from that point. What a great way to tour the city by running it! Loved the finish because I wore a ‘Rocky’ shirt and the announcer and fans cheered as I raised my arms at the finish line. All aid stations stocked well and also at the finish line. I recommend running this one! Thanks City of Philadelphia:)” — D.A., Marathonguide.com Review
Gettysburg North-South Marathon
The Gettysburg North-South Marathon is a unique event that pits runners representing the North against runners representing the South in a friendly competition that pays respect to the Battle of Gettysburg that took place in 1863. At the time of registration, runners will get to choose which side they wish to represent. Runners representing the winning side will get a commemorative gift. Click here to see how points are scored.
The Course
The marathon course lets you explore beautiful, rural country roads with rolling hillsides as the backdrop. A highlight is undoubtedly a trek through the historic Gettysburg Battlefield. The first 11 miles are hilly, with the remaining 15 much flatter.
Image Source: Gettysburg North-South Marathon
Reviews
“Really enjoyed this race. The packet pickup and pre-race logistics were easy. Course was beautiful with rolling hills and nice rural scenery throughout the entire race. The aid stations were well stocked with water, gatorade and porta-potties. The volunteers and communications from the race director were great. Enjoyed the town and the Civil War theme added an element of fun to the weekend. Also, was inspired by the number of wounded veterans who competed in the event. Would definitely do this race again and recommend to others.” — D.L., Marathonguide.com Review
“Superb organization and support. There were so many beautiful vistas along the course I started to gag. Lush and green countryside around Gettysburg at that time of year is absolutely beautiful. The ‘North-South’ competition was fun and added some competitive interest and for the winners the beer glass is superb. Plenty of water, Gatorade and gels during the race and generous post-race refreshments. It is very reasonably priced and since the race is not done during the peak tourist season, there are plenty of inexpensive hotels in the area.” — Nicholas Kanaracus, Marathonguide.com Review
God’s Country Marathon – Coudersport
Named one of the country’s top 10 toughest marathons by Runner’s World, the God’s Country Marathon will not disappoint. If you are looking for a challenge, this small, but exceptionally well supported, event might be the one. Learn more about the event here.
The Course
Like a good novel, the course starts at 1300 ft and slowly builds up in elevation in the first half of the race, with the rising action starting at 1500 ft elevation on mile 15 (otherwise known as “The Hill”). The course climaxes at mile 18 at a peak elevation of 2400 ft for an elevation gain of 900 ft over 3 miles. Those tough enough to conquer The Hill will end up in the town of Coudersport at an elevation of 1400 ft.
Image Source: God’s Country Marathon
Reviews
“I keep coming back to this one because of the great organization, the friendly spectators and volunteers, the small town atmosphere, and the challenge that ‘the hill’ adds to this tougher-than-most marathon. I definitely did not conquer the hill the first couple times running it! Test yourself against a challenging course, the organization, scenery, and top notch volunteers and spectators make it worthwhile. I’ll be back and try to talk my running buddies into joining me.” — J.H., Marathonguide.com Review
“I was apprehensive about this one, but the hill wasn’t as bad as I thought. The downhill into Coudersport was nice at the end when you need it. Had to make a pit stop at mile 9, or else I would have BQ’d. (Missed it by a minute.) There are things about this race that are very appealing: the people and runners are friendly, the showers at the end were nice, and the feeling that you are part of a small close group was also nice. While most roads / berms have camber, this course had a good flat surface to run on. Towards the end, each waterstop was like a full service station: you were the only one there and they took care of you. Some stops had oranges, bananas, and candy. I practiced on some small hills, and that proved adequate for this race. Don’t let the hill scare you; run this one!” — J.G., Marathonguide.com Review
Harrisburg Marathon
The Harrisburg Marathon is trending upwards and has improved year after year. The event organizers are committed to making this race into a “mini-Boston,” starting with a complete redesign of the marathon course in 2015. Click here to see everything that’s changed.
The Course
Here’s how event organizers describe the new course:
We completely redesigned our Marathon course so we could better integrate the city into it. We’ve added new sections that showcase some of Harrisburg’s landmarks like Fort Hunter. We’ve introduced two scenic bridge crossings to integrate our friends on the west shore of the Susquehanna. The crescendo of the new Marathon though, was to move the final mile and finish line right down Second Street to Locust Street —the epicenter of the downtown scene.
Image Source: Harrisburg Marathon
Reviews
“I’ve run this race six times and the upgraded new course is fantastic. I knocked 21 minutes off my best time for this race not having to deal with the hills in Wildwood Park. The Organizers continue to improve this race every year and this year was a big leap in improving everything from the course to the finish line celebration. Well supported and plenty of opportunities to view the race for spectators – easily the best ‘small town’ race I’ve run. Already registered for 2017!” — Corby Myers, Marathonguide.com Review
“This is my second Harrisburg and the course is great! River views and some neighborhood portions give a good local feel. Had lots of room to run and the number of runners fit the course perfectly. Congrats on the course improvements I really appreciate the focus on the river views. Many passersby on the river front offered encouragement. Volunteers were energetic and friendly. Finish downtown was a nice touch with lots of cheers and superior to previous finish on bridge in which I had to dodge families and dogs. Parking right next to start was very welcome. Packet pickup on race day was great and saved a long drive. Keep it up Harrisburg I’m coming back!” — John Shatto, Marathonguide.com Review