Runner Will Honor Jim Moran at Steamtown Marathon

Patrick O'Malley will run the 29th annual race on October 11, 2026, to pay tribute to his friend's lasting legacy.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Running

An expressive, painted illustration of a lone runner mid-stride on an autumnal asphalt road, evoking the focus of long-distance racing. — Runner Patrick O'Malley will race in the 29th annual Steamtown Marathon on October 11, 2026, to honor late co-founder Jim Moran. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Patrick O'Malley will race in the 29th annual Steamtown Marathon on October 11, 2026, while wearing a shirt dedicated to the memory of co-founder Jim Moran. Moran, a fixture in the Scranton area, passed away in December 2025.

Why it matters

O'Malley is running the 26.2-mile course to honor the legacy of Moran, who co-founded the marathon in 1996 and helped establish Scranton Organized Area Runners. His participation serves as a personal tribute to a community leader who significantly shaped the local racing scene.

The Steamtown Marathon covers 26.2 miles and is ranked as one of the 10 best marathons in the U.S. Over 20 percent of participants utilize the race to qualify for the Boston and New York marathons.

The players

Patrick O'Malley

He is a runner dedicated to honoring the legacy of his late friend through long-distance athletic events.

Jim Moran

He was a key community figure who co-founded the Steamtown Marathon and established the Scranton Organized Area Runners organization.

The details

Patrick O'Malley will wear a commemorative shirt throughout the race to highlight his dedication to Moran, who resided in Clarks Green. This act follows O'Malley's recent efforts to honor his late friend during the 34th Hook O'Malley run in August 2026.

1992: Paul O'Malley died of cancer.
1996: The Steamtown Marathon was co-founded.
December 2025: Jim Moran died.
August 2026: O'Malley dedicated the 34th Hook O'Malley run to Moran.
October 11, 2026: O'Malley will run the 29th Steamtown Marathon.

Season Trajectory

The Steamtown Marathon remains a critical event for regional runners looking to qualify for major national marathons. The race continues to draw significant participation, maintaining its status as a premier event in the U.S. circuit.

Participants should be aware that the 26.2-mile course is a qualifying event for both the Boston and New York marathons. With over 20 percent of the field using their times for qualification, local runners should prepare for a highly competitive and focused race atmosphere.

The takeaway

Honoring a local leader through sport can serve as a powerful way to keep a community legacy alive. Runners often find that personal motivations, such as tributes to friends or family, provide significant mental support during long-distance endurance events.