Allentown Fire Department Defends Via Cup Title for 3rd Year
June 16, 2009

BETHLEHEM, PA – The Allentown Firedogs are ready to defend their title for the third year in the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via on Sunday, September 13, 2009. The Firedogs, a team of runners from the Allentown Fire department will compete again for the Via Cup, a race division for teams that work or volunteer for the same municipality, city, borough or township.

“We’ve been running together for a long time and have always had a great time doing it,” said James Wehr, Firedogs team captain and Allentown Fire Department lieutenant.

“As firefighters, we all have a lot of stamina to do what we do every day. That really helps us to be physically prepared for the race. We’re used to working together as a team and it works out really well on the course.”

A real tribute to that spirit of teamwork is how the Firedogs rallied behind fellow firefighter, John Stribula, who ran the whole marathon two years ago. “Once we finished our race, our team ran out to meet Jim on the course to give him encouragement as he finished up the marathon,” said Wehr.

“We’re always working and thinking as a team and wanted to be there with him to help through the last part of the race.”

Wehr threw down the challenge to any team who thinks they might be able to give them a run for their money for the Via Cup honor. “We’d like to see any team that thinks they can take the Via Cup away from us, come on out and give it try,” said Wehr.

There are 14 race divisions for the relay portion of the LVHN Marathon that includes male, female, mixed and corporate divisions. The Via Cup division is open to employees or volunteers of the same township, city, borough or other municipality (i.e. Police, Fire, Parks, EMS, etc.).

More than 1,650 walkers and runners participated in the 2008 Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via supported by 400 volunteers. This unique event features a five-person Team Relay, full and half Marathon, and 5K Walk. The 26.2 mile course starts at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Allentown and takes runners through the Lehigh Parkway to the Lehigh River Canal Towpath continuing through Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. Along the way, runners will enjoy the scenic beauty of the Lehigh Parkway and the Lehigh River, pass through Bethlehem’s Historic Quarter, utilize miles of beautifully canopied trails including cinder, paved and grass surfaces, and end at end at Center Square in Easton.

Registration for runners closes on August 23, 2009. Walker registration continues right up to 12:30pm on Sunday, September 13, 2009. Volunteers are also needed for race day. Volunteer, register or donate online at www.ViaNet.org. Email or call with questions Via@ViaNet.org or 484-893-5389.

The LVHN Marathon raises funds for Via’s services for people with disabilities so they can connect and live in their communities. Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment. Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390