The Via Marathon is quickly becoming a must-do race — the course is a fast downhill race with a big downtown finish and spectacular views. The Via Marathon features a point to point course offering a net descent run through nine municipalities, finishing at Scott Park in Easton, PA. Shade …
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The Via Marathon is quickly becoming a must-do race — the course is a fast downhill race with a big downtown finish and spectacular views.
The Via Marathon features a point to point course offering a net descent run through nine municipalities, finishing at Scott Park in Easton, PA. Shade is plentiful along the course, and the views change often. Fourteen small bridges add an accent to the unique course. The Marathon offers runners the opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon and is one of the fastest races in the country. The average time for the race in 2017 was 3:59:48.
Scenic, shady and a net descent drop of 240’ make it an attractive qualifying run for the Boston Marathon. The half marathon starts at the marathon’s midpoint and is run from Bethlehem to Easton. The 5K Run and Kids Race are held at SteelStacks in historic south Bethlehem.
Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Not only is the Via Marathon a great race but as a participant you are supporting the Via mission through your fundraising efforts. Good luck with your training and fundraising – see you at the finish line!
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Loved this race
The aid stations were great. The course was along a river and a train track. In November the leaves are perfect and the course is mostly on a paved path. MORE
The aid stations were great. The course was along a river and a train track. In November the leaves are perfect and the course is mostly on a paved path.
Race production is awful!
If you are looking for a BQ and you want to ENJOY YOURSELF, find another race. The expo was small, the race swag is a cotton t-shirt, and I really … MORE
If you are looking for a BQ and you want to ENJOY YOURSELF, find another race. The expo was small, the race swag is a cotton t-shirt, and I really don’t think coordinator cares about the runners, just the money! The course is beautiful but waiting for a train to cross for 8 minutes is not. Clearly there were some big communication issues with this race and this race will never regain my trust for me to do it again. Seriously avoid this race at all costs! I think the Erie marathon is the same weekend and not too far away, test your luck there.
Well run, flat, scenic Marathon
Net 240 foot decline. Absolutely gorgeous scenery run along river, creek and canal system. First 5-6 miles mostly street/pavement, rest gravel/dirt trail, some single, some double track, not technical at … MORE
Net 240 foot decline. Absolutely gorgeous scenery run along river, creek and canal system. First 5-6 miles mostly street/pavement, rest gravel/dirt trail, some single, some double track, not technical at all. Weather can be a bit warm but very much potential PR race. Lots of support throughout race.
Well we're running here in Allentown.
Nothing beats writing a review 9 years after the race! Especially when it doesn't exist any longer. It is a flattish fast type of course with some interesting trail sections … MORE
Nothing beats writing a review 9 years after the race! Especially when it doesn’t exist any longer. It is a flattish fast type of course with some interesting trail sections along the Lehigh river. I wasn’t prepared for as many tree roots though…I actually had a nasty fall….but no injuries. Unfortunately, very humid day caused many to struggle. I was trying to BQ and did a 3:31:15, missing by 75 seconds primarily because the humidity got to me the last several miles. Actually, I don’t remember much of the last 20 minutes. Ended up in a Med tent with an IV bag…..replacing electrolytes! All good by about 1/2 the bag though! Our hotel had a false fire alarm at 1215 in the morning…..so they evacuated all guests. Wonderful seeing 80 + folks sleep walking in their PJs! Shoulda been a sign of things to come! Parking was a nightmare…..fortunately, I had a friend that was able to drop me off and leave.