Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via Course Finalized, New Finish Line
August 12, 2009
BETHLEHEM, PA – Runners take your mark… the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via (LVHN Marathon) course has been finalized and has a new finish line. The LVHN Marathon presented by WFMZ – Channel 69 and Wegmans will end at Center Square in Easton. Runners, walkers and volunteers can register now at www.ViaNet.org.
“Typical marathon courses are a coordination of getting out of the way,” said Bart Yasso, Chief Running Officer, Runner’s World Magazine and LVHN Marathon race director.
“This is a really rare course designed with all the cities and townships giving us the opportunity to run on the most scenic spots in the Lehigh Valley. And our new finish line has all the things it’s supposed to: drama, space and a great community atmosphere.”
The LVHN Marathon, on Sunday, September 13, 2009, starts at 7am at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township 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 the Center Square in Easton (detail map and road closures attached).
Half Marathon runners start at Main and Market Streets in Bethlehem at 7am. Relay Teams will switch runners at four Exchange Points along the course. The 5K Walk at Freedom High School starts at 12:30pm.
“This is a Lehigh Valley-wide event that engages our community on many different levels,” said Paul Pierpoint, LVHN Marathon committee chair.
“More than 1,650 runners and walkers participated last year and there is tremendous volunteer support with 400 volunteers coming out on race day. Our medical team is outstanding; Lehigh Valley Health Network provides the knowledge, expertise and staff to provide unparalleled medical support for our participants.”
The LVHN Marathon raised $30,000 in 2007 and more than $90,000 in 2008 to benefit Via. More than 1640 runners and walkers and 170 volunteers are already registered for this years event. Via relies heavily on the support of the community to provide services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.
The money raised from the LVHN Marathon is specifically marked for Via’s Community Connections program. Via’s Community Connections helps people with disabilities live and connect in the neighborhoods where they live through recreational and volunteer activities. Community Connections strengthens the community by providing opportunities that enrich people’s lives, including a summer program for teens with disabilities. Teens participate in job shadowing and career counseling, volunteer activities in a variety of inclusive settings, and a series of recreational and team-building activities.
“The LVHN Marathon for Via helps strengthen our community by providing opportunities for children and adults of all ability levels,” said Pierpoint.
“Together we can help provide resources to help people live, work and connect in their neighborhoods and nurture a community that embraces all of its members.”
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.
he 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 |
