LVHN Marathon for Via Announces Exciting Additions and Enhancements to this Year’s Event
July 25, 2011
BETHLEHEM, PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley announced exciting additions and enhancements today to the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via. Coming up on Sunday, September 11, the addition of several events has expanded the LVHN Marathon for Via into a weekend of activity in the Lehigh Valley.
“We are very excited to announce that the Via 5K Walk has a new home right here in Bethlehem,” said Jason Morrow, Via 5K Walk committee chairperson.
 “The 5K Walk, a part of the LVHN Marathon for Via, will be on Saturday, September 10 at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks. On the site of the former Bethlehem Steel plant, SteelStacks is a wonderful backdrop for the Via 5K Walk and will raise money for children and adults with disabilities.”
The 5K Walk course will start and finish at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks and follow a scenic course through Bethlehem’s Southside utilizing the new South Bethlehem Greenway. All a part of a weekend of activity centered on raising money for vital services provided to children and adults with disabilities, Via relies on strong community partnerships to make the LVHN Marathon for Via a success.
“In addition to hosting the Via 5K Walk, we’ve added two new components to the LVHN Marathon for Via weekend,” said Mimi Griffin, LVHN Marathon for Via event manager and president of MSG Promotions.
“We’ve added an expo on Saturday, September 10 at SteelStacks where runners will pick up their race packets and sponsors and vendors will be in attendance for the runners’ benefit. Later that evening, runners, volunteers and walkers are invited to join us for our inaugural Pasta Dinner.”
Runners won’t have to travel far for the inaugural LVHN Marathon for Via Pasta Dinner. The Pasta Dinner is open to runners, friends and family and will be hosted at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, the same site as the inaugural Expo and Race Packet Pick-Up.
“30% of our runners come from outside Pennsylvania and 50% come from outside the Lehigh Valley,” said Griffin.
“We are expecting 30% more runners than last year and they are coming from all over the country. When you bring in that many runners from outside the community, we need to showcase all the Lehigh Valley has to offer. We’ve added these enhancements to the Via Marathon because runners will keep coming back if we offer them a quality racing experience.”
In addition to LVHN Marathon for Via weekend events, SteelStacks has a full schedule of activities planned for the weekend. From family friendly shows to art exhibits and walking tours, there will be something for everyone at the SteelStacks on September 10 and 11. SteelStacks will also host a Patriot Day Celebration on Sunday, September 11, the ten year anniversary of 9/11. Runners, walkers and volunteers are invited to attend this free celebration.
Saturday, September 10
- Via 5K Walk
9am, 8am check-in
ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
$10 per individual | $50 for team of up to 10
- Expo & Race Packet Pick-Up
10am to 5pm
ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
- Pasta Dinner
5 to 7pm
ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, Fowler Blast Furnace Room, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA
$20 for adults | $12 for children 10 & under
Sunday, September 11
- Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via
Marathon ($95) & Relay Team ($250)
7 am start | Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest & I-78, Allentown, PA
- Half Marathon ($60)
7:15 am start | Main & Market Streets, Bethlehem, PA
More than 3,150 individuals participated in the 2010 Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via. 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 Salisbury Township near Allentown and takes runners through the Lehigh Parkway to the Lehigh River Canal Towpath continuing through Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.
The LVHN Marathon for Via is Sunday, September 11, 2011. Registration for runners closes on August 12, 2011. Walker registration continues right up through Saturday, September 10, 2011. 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 484-893-5390.
The LVHN Marathon raises funds for Via’s services for children and adults with disabilities. Via has been serving our community since 1954. Via’s mission is to provide support and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities so they can live full, independent and productive lives within the community.
For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Vice President of Communications
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390 |
