Pocono News Section

Warm Weather Slows Steamtown Marathon

Warm Weather Slows Steamtown Marathon - Sunday, October 7, 2007 at 4:00PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Sunday, Oct 7, 2007 @04:00pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Mild, muggy and mountainous conditions gave about 1,900 people a run for their money at the 12th Annual Steamtown Marathon.

3rd place finisher Fred Joslyn said, "it was a tough day – a few of us got dehydrated - that's what it came down to."

Even the top three finishers felt a bit frustrated with this year's warm weather. Race winner Steve Crane said, "It was tough, I felt awful."

Marathon Doctor Elaine Walker said, “it was 62 degrees to start, it’s usually around 40-degrees."

"The last 5k was really hard, it's like the hardest 5k ever,” added Crane.

To beat the heat race organizers hauled in 50% more in liquids -- setting up aid stations every 2 miles. 1st place female finisher Kathleen Jobes said, "water stations were the best I've ever had in a race."

It's all to avoid dehydration. “What you see with dehydration is dizziness, light headedness, leg cramps and stomach cramps," added Dr. Walker.

Many massaged their aches and pains while others still cruised through the last of the 14 communities. From the first to the very last runner, one neighborhood in Scranton's Green Ridge Section stayed put, cheering everyone on and partying in the process.

Party goer Maryla Soma said, "They love it. Some who are walking start running again. We're very appreciated."