June 20, 2007
 Bethlehem, PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley (Via) announced today the newly designed Via Lehigh River Relay Marathon Run will be Sunday, September 9, 2007. This unique five-person team relay and individual run follows a 26.2 mile course along the Lehigh River Canal Towpath through Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.
“The Via Lehigh River Relay is the first full marathon in the Lehigh Valley since 1983,” said Bart Yasso, Chief Running Officer, Runner’s World Magazine and designer of the course. “Unlike other years, the Via Lehigh River Relay is a now a full marathon,” Yasso added.
The Via Lehigh River Relay spans three cities and two counties, Lehigh and Northampton, covering Via’s service area. This regional marathon will attract runners from the entire east coast, and provide Via the opportunity to educate attendees and participants about the need for community support for Via’s programs for people with disabilities through financial, partnership and advocacy support.
“The River Relay gives us the opportunity to attract runners from the entire northeast and as far south as Maryland,” Yasso said. “It also gives Via the occasion to host a regional event spanning three cities and two counties.”
The Via Lehigh River Relay raises funds for Via’s Community Supports & Volunteer Services. Via is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Via’s helps more than 1,000 individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in four areas: Children’s Services, Community Supports & Volunteer Services, Employment Services and Residential Services. The Via Lehigh River Relay is a two-day event that begins with a banquet for runners and other invitees to learn about Via’s Community Supports & Volunteer Services.
“Adults want to be valuable, active, and productive members of the community,” said Lisa Musselman, Via Director of Community Supports & Volunteer Services.
“Via help adults with disabilities discover preferences and choose recreational and volunteer activities to participate in as independently as possible. We help adults volunteer, develop friendships and become active in their communities through leisure, social and educational activities. Individuals volunteer at local non-profit organizations like Lehigh Valley Hospital, Project of Easton, and the Boys and Girls Club.”
Via help adults participate in recreational activities such as art classes, YMCA activities, sporting events, bus trips and concerts. Via also assists young adults attend community college, take self improvement classes or participate in community activities.
In partnership with the United Way, Via’s Retirement Program helps people who are age 55 and older transition to retirement to maintain skills, participate in leisure and volunteer activities, and stay active. This process involves discussion of what retirement means and helping them connect with activities in inclusive community settings.
“If there is one thing you should in your life, its run a marathon,” said avid runner, Ron Rucker, Via President and CEO.
“It’s the biggest test of what you are made of - you’ve got to do it once. Runners often talk about hitting their target or being at their personal best. We at Via are at our personal best when we help people with disabilities get what we all want – an education, friends, a rewarding career, and a satisfying retirement - a life of purpose and meaning in our community.”
“Marathon runners are a community and just like the running community, people with disabilities need that same sense of belonging - that same connection. The Via Lehigh River Relay will help provide the support and community awareness people with disabilities need to become connected in the Lehigh Valley.”
In addition, the last leg of the marathon will be one to anyone who wants to participate. “We encourage our community to come out and support Via of the Lehigh Valley by completing the last portion of the marathon in their own way… walking, running or other means,” said Yasso.
“Coming together as a community makes us stronger. Via makes the Lehigh Valley stronger by helping people with disabilities live, work and participate in our community. We hope everyone comes out and supports the runners and Via on race day.”
WFMZ Channel 69 News is launching Mission: Marathon and partnering with Via to motivate the Lehigh Valley community to train along with them for the Via Lehigh River Relay. Each week, Marathon Mondays will feature training tips, guides and follow WFMZ staff as they train for the marathon. Viewers will be encouraged to train along and online blogs and messages boards will track the training process and allow viewers to ask questions.
The marathon, run from the monument in center city Allentown, along the Lehigh River through Bethlehem and ending in center city Easton, will elevate this to a regional event giving the Lehigh Valley the opportunity to attract participants and supporters from outside the Valley.
Runners can participate in the marathon as an individual or as relay team. Registration and information is available by going to ViaNet.org. Participants must be at least 18 as of September 8, 2007.
The Via Lehigh River Relay is Sunday, September 9, 2007 with an estimated start time of 7 am at the Allentown Center City Monument at 8th Street & Hamilton Blvd. The marathon will start at 7 am and the Relay will start at 7:15 am. The Marathon field is limited to 200 runners and the Relay is limited to 250 teams. Entry Fees: Marathon: $75, Relay: $150 per team.
Visit ViaNet.org for:
Volunteer Information
Help make the Via Lehigh Valley River Relay Marathon a success!
We need you! When you volunteer, you give part of yourself – your time, talent, energy and skills. When you volunteer, you give back to your family and friends, to your neighbors, and to your community. When you volunteer, you know that you have made a difference in your community and in someone’s life.
Individuals, Teams or Companies: If you would like to register to volunteer as an individual, team or company, please visit www.ViaNet.org for more information or email via@vianet.org.
Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Via’s staff help more than 1,000 individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in four areas: Children’s Services, Community & Volunteer Services, Employment Services and Residential Services.
Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via trains daycare center staff so children with disabilities can go to school and learn with their peers. Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment. And Via helps people volunteer in the community, participate in leisure activities, and find or purchase affordable, accessible housing. Via understands that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives.
Lisa Walkiewicz
Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org • 484-893-5390
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