Allentown Fire Department Defends Via Cup Title
June 30, 2008

BETHLEHEM, PA – The Firedogs are ready to defend their title for the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via on Sunday, September 7, 2008.  The Firedogs will compete again for the Via Cup, a race division for teams that work or volunteer for the same city, borough or township.  Last year, the team from the Allentown Fire Department finished the five-person relay in three hours and four minutes.

“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 last year.  “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.

As a benefit of winning last year’s Via Cup, the Firedogs will be transported on race day along the course by Hot Pursuit Limos.  “I don’t know if it will give us edge because frankly we don’t need it,” joked Wehr.

“But it will sure be a lot of fun.  It will be nice not to have to worry about one of us driving.  We’ll really be able to have a great time.”

There are 14 race divisions for the relay portion of the LVH 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.)

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 5K walk and 20-mile training run for marathon runners have been added to encourage participants of all activity levels. 

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

Registration for the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via is open for marathon runners, relay teams, walkers and those interested in the 20-mile training run at ViaNet.org.  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