Via’s College Cup Challenge
July 22, 2009

BETHLEHEM, PA – Professional hockey has the Stanley Cup, football has the Lombardi Trophy, and now the Lehigh Valley has the Via College Cup. Teams from colleges and universities across the Lehigh Valley will come together to compete on Sunday, September 13 in the College Cup Challenge as part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via (LVHN Marathon).

“Higher education is major component of this community,” said Paul Pierpoint, LVHN Marathon chair person and dean of Northampton Community College Southside campus.

“With all these great colleges right here in the Lehigh Valley, this was the first time I can imagine for all of them to come together and compete in something that everyone can be competitive in - running and fundraising.”

Ten teams have already registered for the Via College Cup Challenge, a new relay team category added this year to the LVHN Marathon. Last year at this time, 700 runners were registered for the race. This year, more than 1,330 have registered. Registration is open until August 23, 2009.

“We think we’ll have ten, possibly eleven schools involved,” said Pierpoint. “We’re also reaching out to local alumni associations from colleges and universities across the country.”

The LVHN Marathon raises money for a great cause, Via of the Lehigh Valley, and community support is vital for the programs provided for children and adults with disabilities said Pierpoint.

“It’s also important for our Lehigh Valley students to learn now that they are a part of something bigger – that their community extends beyond the walls of higher education and it is important to give back and support your community.”

“We’re looking forward to race day and seeing all the universities in their school colors, showing how important higher education is to our community.”

More than 1,650 walkers and runners participated in the 2008 Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via supported by 400 volunteers. This unique event features a five-person Team Relay, full and half Marathon, and 5K Walk. The 26.2 mile course starts at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest in Allentown 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 Center Square in Easton.

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.

The 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