SCRANTON -- A tasty tradition took place Saturday in Lackawanna County: a huge pasta dinner for the men and women running in the Steamtown Marathon.
More than 2,500 runners geared up for the 17th annual marathon this weekend. Officials said it is the most that have ever participated.
Runners said training for the big race is imperative and nutrition, especially the night before, is just as important.
“It may be one of the most important things,” said Chad Angle of Palmyra. “I definitely go with carbs, usually some thing whole wheat, something you are used to. I don't try anything new.”
Dozens of runners spent dinner time at the DeNaples Center at the University of Scranton for a big pasta meal hours before the marathon.
For Madonna Gabert, the night before is about eating healthy, relaxing, and going through all the emotions.
“I'm nervous and excited at the same time, really hoping the weather holds out. This is my first time running Steamtown so I don't know the course, but real excited to go out there and give it my best,” said Gabert
This is also the first time Ryan Barletta will be hitting the course. He said no matter what, he'll keep going strong.
“I haven't been training long, about four months, so we'll see what happens. Hopefully, I can crawl from the finish line,” said Barletta. “I'm ready to go. I'm a little hyper so I'm going to take all this energy and explode!”