Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via Results
September 13 , 2009
BETHLEHEM, PA – More than 2,600 runners and walkers participated in Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via on Sunday, September 13, 2009. Two hundred and twelve teams, 400 Full Marathon and 625 Half Marathon runners hit the streets running, while more than 600 walkers participated in a 5K Walk to help raise money for Via of the Lehigh Valley’s programs for children and adults with disabilities.
“We won’t have our final numbers of how much we raised in this year’s event because teams, runners and walkers are continuing to fundraise through the end of September.” said Paul Pierpoint, Via Board Member and LVHN Marathon Committee Chair.
“We also have an associated fundraising effort with Freedom High School that will continue through the end of October. The event has grown nicely, nearly a thousand more runners and walkers participated this year. We are pleased with the progress we have made over the first three years. We owe much to our hard working staff at Via, a very generous community, great sponsors and the best volunteers anywhere. We expect to exceed last year’s performance and will be reporting an estimated fundraising outcome in early October.”
The Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via benefits the Community Communications program which helps adults live and connect in their communities through volunteer and recreational activities. Via Staff work with individuals so they can volunteer at community organizations of their choice like Lehigh Valley Hospital, Project of Easton and the Crayola factory, Pierpoint added.
Adults and teens with disabilities also participate in classes and recreational activities like going to sporting events or catching dinner and a movie. In addition, Via helps adults reaching retirement age find resources in their community, like senior centers and volunteer opportunities, so they can enjoy a fulfilling retirement.
“This is a just a small part of what Via does,” said Pierpoint.
“We also work with children with disabilities, providing vital services so they can learn and grow with their peers. We help adults find jobs in the community and are working to make the transition from high school to the workforce easier for young adults.”
It takes a lot to put together a marathon, more than any one organization can do, and the Lehigh Valley has shown how much they support Via by the outpouring of support the Marathon has received, Pierpoint said.
“More than 450 volunteers are out on the course on race day, from staffing water stations, directing runners along the course and providing medical support. The Lehigh Valley has really embraced this event and the outpouring of community support has been tremendous.”
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.
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 |
