Via and Lehigh Valley Hospital Announce New Lehigh Valley Marathon Partnership
April 9, 2008

BETHLEHEM, PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley announced a new partnership with Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH) for the Via Marathon scheduled for September 7, 2008. LVH has taken the role as title sponsor of the newly named Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via presented by 69 WFMZ-TV.

“Just as the marathon is a true Valley wide event, run through 3 cities and 2 counties, Lehigh Valley Hospital is a true Lehigh Valley organization covering the same footprint of the marathon from city to city,” said Ron Rucker, Via President and CEO.

“They are a community leader and we are excited about the opportunity to partner with them to help make our community stronger and healthier. We are proud to call them a partner.”

Last year, more than 820 runners and 250 volunteers participated in this unique five-person team relay and individual run along a 26.2 mile course following the Lehigh River Canal Towpath through Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton. This year, a 5-mile walk and 20-mile training run for marathon runners have been added to encourage participants of all activity levels.

“From our standpoint, this event is a natural fit for us,” said Andrew Miller, D.O., Lehigh Valley Hospital emergency room physician and marathon medical director.

“We believe in providing opportunities for our community to make healthy choices and stay active. With options for top athletes, the casual runner, walkers and volunteers, this event engages the entire community.”

“And as a runner, I personally am very excited about our partnership in the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via,” Miller said.

Last year was Via’s first year of involvement in this event, formerly called the Lehigh River Relay. Last year, Via turned the event into a full marathon to appeal to runners’ requests for a local marathon and raise money to support Via’s services for children and adults with disabilities.

“We were very pleased with our fundraising efforts and hope to exceed them this year,” said Rucker.

“However, the impact this event had in our community and our organization goes beyond the money we raised. The awareness we raised about the services we provide was invaluable. The runners and volunteers were excited about the marathon and the difference they were making in the lives of the children and adults our organization serves.”

This year, LVH will lend their medical expertise as well as other resources to create an exciting and healthy event for the Lehigh Valley. Miller will oversee the medical plan for the event. In addition to the EMS teams that provide coverage across both counties, LVH’s medical professionals throughout the course will attend to the medical needs of runners and walkers.

“Our team of physicians, medical assistants and sports trainers, will be positioned at every exchange point and at the medical tent at the finish line,” Miller said.

The LVH Marathon for Via benefits Via’s Community Connections program. Via’s Community Connection program helps individuals with disabilities live and connect in the neighborhoods where they live. Via helps people discover preferences and choose recreational and volunteer activities in their community to participate in as independently as possible.

“The LVH Marathon for Via helps ensure the future of programs for children and adults with disabilities living in the Lehigh Valley,” said Miller.

Registration for the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via presented by 69 WFMZ-TV is open for marathon runners, relay teams, walkers and those interested in the 20-mile training run at ViaNet.org. Volunteers can also register online. Email or call with questions Via@ViaNet.org or 484-893-5389.

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities. Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in: Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment 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 believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives. Visit ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

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