SCRANTON -- It was a big day for runners from all over the country and even the world in Susquehanna and Lackawanna counties on Sunday.
They were all in town for the 17th annual Steamtowm Marathon.
There was a lot of excitement, from a marriage proposal, to the winner making history.
About 2,500 runners hit the pavement for the 17th annual Steamtown Marathon.
Runners came in from all over to try the course which started at Forest City Regional High School and ended in downtown Scranton.
“It was beautiful, the start was great, very fast, but you have to be smart. Coming in people were spread throughout the course to cheer you on, it was a great course,” said Jason Bui of Massachusetts.
Some runners said the energy from the crowd during the race helped them out, and the weather was also a big factor.
“I think the weather definitely helped out a lot, it kept me cool compared to years before when it's been so hot out, so the weather is definitely on our side this year,” said Caitlin Gaughan of Scranton.
Others said getting through the race is what it's all about.
“It's about finishing, starting the race, running the course, enjoying the fall foliage and getting to the finish line and finishing the race,” said Mark Monahan of Scranton.
Along with runners finishing the whopping 26.2 miles, the day was full of other excitement as well, especially in downtown Scranton at the finish line, when one runner proposed to his future wife, right before they crossed the end together.
Female winner Heidi Peoples said she was excited to be a part of it.
“In the beginning I felt so comfortable and so strong. It was so great to be back out there and race, and the crowd was incredible,” said Peoples.
For the winner, three-time Steamtown Marathon champion Matt Byrne, it was a day for the history books. He’s the first male to win Steamtown three times.
“It feels great, I've been wanting that number three for a while, and it feels good to finally get it. I feel good,” said Byrne.
Newswatch 16’s Trish Hartman finished the marathon in 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Good job to all the runners!