The half marathon will also have a new course.

SCRANTON, Pa. — Organizers of the Scranton Half Marathon weekend are expecting a near-record number of participants this year.

Hundreds will race through the Electric City this weekend.

Matthew Byrne owns Scranton Running Company and serves as the race director for the Scranton Half Marathon.

“I think it’s a staple for the running community. We’re excited,” Byrne said.

2400 runners (including yours truly) are signed up for the half marathon this weekend.

Another 400 people are signed up for the 5k, kids’ fun run, and walk.  

He says these numbers are up more than 10% from last year. The numbers are close to a record for the 13-year-old race. 

Kenya, Costa Rica, and Germany are just some of the countries that will be represented at the race starting at Scranton High School. It also includes 26 states. The half marathon course will be a little different this year.

“It’s more runner-friendly, spectator-friendly. I think it flows really nicely. It’s a bit hillier. But I think it’s going to be a great year,” Byrne said.

The new route starts off very similarly, and it still takes you through downtown Scranton. The key difference is that 3.5 miles have been taken off the Lackawanna Heritage Trail. That lost mileage is being added back to the course in other areas. 

“More time off the trail means more time in the city streets. So, we’re very thankful to the city of Scranton and the police department to close off more streets, ” Byrne said.

The reason why the course is different this year is because the Elm Street Bridge is being reconstructed. But Byrne tells Newswatch 16 that if he and others really like this course, they may make this temporary change permanent for future races

This is Barbara Durkin’s seventh time running the half marathon, but her first in a few years. She says she’ll run it no matter the course.

“I miss it every year I don’t run. Just the feel of it, the crowd support. The weather is supposed to be good. I’m training for some other races, so I thought it was a good opportunity to get out there and run, ” Durkin said.

Race entries have closed.

Below is the schedule of events: 

6:45 AM Half Marathon Walk8:00 AM Half Marathon Run8:30 AM Kids fun run

More information about post-race events and volunteering can be found by clicking here.