ALLENTOWN, Pa. –Registration for the 2015 St. Luke’s Half Marathon and 5K races, Sunday, April 26, 2015, will open October 1, 2014, at stlukeshalfmarathon.com. The 2015 St. Luke’s Half Marathon will mark the 31st running of the event, securing its place as one of the region’s oldest and most beloved road races.

The 13.1-mile race continues to be the largest running race in the Lehigh Valley. Up to 3,400 runners are expected to toe the line next April. All proceeds of the race benefit youth running and fitness programs in the area. More than $30,000 was raised in 2014 for youth running programs.

Runners are encouraged to register early. The St. Luke’s Half Marathon and 5K typically sell out in February – nearly three months before race day — with the field limit of 4,000 runners for the half and 750 for the 5k. All runners must register online.

Again in 2015, runner amenities will include personalized bibs, hydration stations, more than a dozen live bands along the race route, a unique finisher’s medal, tech shirt, stadium finish, complimentary bus travel for spectators, extensive post-race lunch, shower facilities, and much more.

“It’s a great course through Allentown’s city parks. And we offer incredible value in terms of the amenities and entertainment. It is one of the spring’s premier races on the East Coast, attracting runners from more than 30 states and several countries,” said Neal Novak, co-race director.

The entry fee for the half marathon is $55 between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31, $60 between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, and $65 from Jan. 1 through sellout. The 5K entry fee is $30 until Oct. 31, $35 between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 and $40 through sellout.

Registration has also been opened for the St. Luke’s Youth Run on Saturday, April 25, 3 p.m. in downtown Allentown. The free run for children aged 4-13 seeks to promote healthy exercise habits among young people and expose them to the excitement and reward of running.

Also open is registration for the St. Luke’s Family Fun Walk on Sunday, April 26. The free, 1.5-mile non-competitive walk begins immediately after the half marathon and 5k and ends in J. Birney Crum Stadium where racers cross their respective finish lines.

The St. Luke’s Half Marathon Weekend is produced by the Lehigh Valley Road Runners. It is one of the largest races

in the country with an all-volunteer staff. The 2015 events mark the fifth year that St. Luke’s University Health Network has been the presenting sponsor.

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