Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via Race Update
September 5, 2008

BETHLEHEM, PA – More than 1,460 runners and walkers are ready to lace up their sneakers for the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via this Sunday, September 7, 2008.  One hundred and eighty-nine teams and 254 runners will hit the streets running to help raise money for Via of the Lehigh Valley’s programs for children and adults with disabilities.  While registration is closed for the running races, the 5K Walk through historic Bethlehem is still accepting walkers right up through the walk start at 10am on Sunday.

New team registered:  The Dashing Dems

• John Callahan, City of Bethlehem Mayor
• Don Cunningham, Lehigh County Executive
• Joe Brennan, 133rd District Representative
• Jack Panella, State Supreme Court Judge
• Joe Kelly, Assistant City of Bethlehem Solicitor

“We’re really excited to be able to put in this team representing government offices across the greater Lehigh Valley,” said Callahan.

“The Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via is a great event for our region that will touch all three cities and a number of municipalities.  It’s a great way for us to support the Valley and most importantly, a great opportunity to help Via raise money so they can continue to provide much needed services for the Lehigh Valley.”

More than 350 volunteers from all over the Lehigh Valley are ready to get up early and help runners along the course as marshals, manning water stations and providing moral support along the way.

Runners from the Lehigh Valley, neighboring counties and states, outside the tri-state area and even outside the country, are participating in the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via. 

The Awards Ceremony and Finish Festival are at Riverside Park in Easton and feature amenities for runners and plenty for spectators.  There will be food, music, activities for children and adults, and lots of goodies from sponsors including:

Lehigh Valley Hospital  |  WFMZ Channel 69  |  Wegmans
Smart Water  |  Panera Bread  |  B104  |  The Morning Call  |  RCN  |  Lamar Outdoor
TechniCom  |  Banko Enterprises  |  The Hawk 99.9
East Penn Publishing  |  Lehigh Valley Style Magazine  |  WLEV 1007
The Express Times  |  PenTeleData  |  Service Electric  |  WDIY 88.1  |  Via Media

Go to www.ViaNet.org for a complete listing of sponsors, spectator spots, driving directions,
how to donate, sign up for 5K Walk and more!

WHEN:                  Sunday, September 7, 2008

                                6:45 am                                Marathon Runners’ Start
                                                                                9th & Hamilton Streets, Allentown

                                7 am                                      Relay Runners’ Start
                                                                                9th & Hamilton Streets, Allentown

                                7:15 am                                20 Mile Training Run Start
                                                                                Sand Island, Bethlehem
               
                                8:30 am – 2 pm                  Finish Festival (approximate times)
                                                                                Riverside Park, Easton
               
                                10 am                                    5K Walk, 9 am Check In
                                                                                Under Main Street Bridge, Bethlehem

                                10:30 am                              Awards Ceremony (approximate time)
                                                                                Riverside Park, Easton

The LVH Marathon for Via features a five-person team relay, individual run, 20-mile training run and 5K Walk following the Lehigh River Canal Towpath through Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.  Registration for runners is closed.  5K Walker registration continues right up to 10am on Sunday, September 7, 2008.  Register for the 5K Walk or donate online at www.ViaNet.org.  Email or call with questions Via@ViaNet.org or 484-893-5390.

The LVH 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, 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.

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 connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing.  Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice with in schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment.  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