BETHLEHEM, PA – Runners take your mark… the Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon Race Weekend is just 8 days away.  Event schedule and road closures for Saturday, September 8, 2018 and Sunday, September 9, 2018 are included.

Much of the Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay course is run on the Lehigh River Canal Towpath. The best place for spectators is at exchanges points along the course. Go to Travel & Lodging for driving directions to the exchange points. The times listed below are approximate times runners will pass through each area. 

Spectator Spots

Start – Marathon/Team Relay

• Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest & I-78 | Allentown, PA
• 6:35 to 7:15 am

Exchange #1

• Parkettes, Martin Luther King Drive & S. 4th Street | Allentown, PA
• 7:20 to 8:15 am

Start – Half Marathon

• Main Street & West Walnut Street | Bethlehem, PA
• 6:35 to 7:10 am 

Exchange #2

• The Wooden Match Restaurant, Main & Lehigh Streets | Bethlehem, PA
• 7 to 7:25 am (Half Marathon Runners)
• 8:00 to 10:15 am (Marathon & Relay Runners) 

Exchange #3

• Canal Park, Main Street & Lockhouse Road | Freemansburg, PA
• Due to high runner traffic and limited parking, it is suggested that spectators skip this spectator spot and go directly to Riverview Park. 

Exchange #4

• Riverview Park, Lehigh Drive | Palmer Township, PA
• 8:30 to 9:15 am (Half Marathon Runners)
• 8:55 to 11:15 am (Marathon & Relay Runners) 

Finish

• Scott Park, Larry Holmes Drive | Easton, PA
• 8:20 to 11:15 am (Half Marathon Runners)
• 9:15 am to 12 pm (Marathon & Relay Runners) 

The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon is the third fastest marathon in the United States and is a unique Full & Half Marathon, 5-person Team Relay, 5K Run & Kids Race.  Scenic, shady and a net elevation drop of 240’,  the Via Marathon is one of the fastest marathon’s in the US. In fact in 2013, Via had the 4^th highest Boston qualifying percentage of all US marathons.

Race Weekend is September 8 & 9, 2018.

The LVHN Via Marathon raises funds for Via’s services for children and adults with disabilities.  Serving our community since 1952, 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.

 

Race Weekend Event Schedule 

Saturday, September 8

	Start Time	Starting Line Location	Participants
5K Run	7:30am 7:15am opening ceremonies	Arts Quest Center at SteelStacks Bethlehem, PA | Directions | Course Map	200 (More to register through race day)
Expo & Packet Pickup	10am – 5pm	Arts Quest Center at SteelStacks Bethlehem, PA | Directions	Open to the public
Kids Race	9:30am 9am check-in	Arts Quest Center at SteelStacks Bethlehem, PA | Directions	250 (More to register through race day)

 

Sunday, September 9

	Start Time	Starting Line Location	Participants
Marathon	7 am 6:40am opening ceremonies & parking lots close	Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest & I-78 Allentown, PA | Directions | Course Map	1,250
Team Relay	7 am 6:40am opening ceremonies & parking lots close	Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest & I-78 Allentown, PA | Directions | Course Map	200 Teams 1,100 runners
Half Marathon	7 am 6:40am opening ceremonies	Main Street & West Walnut Street Bethlehem, PA | Directions | Course Map	1,000
Finish Festival	8am – 12pm	Scott Park on Larry Holmes Drive Easton, PA | Directions	Open to the public
		Total	3,350

Information provided to TVL by:
Jillian Lovejoy
Communications Director, Via of the Lehigh Valley
336 W. Spruce Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

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