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2,000+ registered for running of 13.1-mile flagship race and 5k
Weekend events
Saturday, April 22, 2 p.m. Free St. Luke’s Youth Run – Lehigh Parkway, Allentown
Sunday, April 23, 8:00 a.m. St. Luke’s 5k – William Allen High School (18th/Linden)
Sunday, April 23, 8:10 a.m. St. Luke’s Half Marathon – William Allen High School (18th/Linden)
The half marathon and 5k finish in J. Birney Crum Stadium. The 5k winner will finish at about 8:15 a.m. The half marathon male winner at about 9:15 a.m., female winner at about 9:25 a.m.
A beloved event returns: More than 2,000 runners are expected for the 38th running of the St. Luke’s Half Marathon and 5k (stlukeshalfmarathon.com), the largest and most beloved long-distance races in the region.
The scenic 13.1-mile course winds through Allentown’s streets and parks. The half marathon begins at 8:10 a.m. (the 5k at 8 a.m.) at the corner of 18th and Linden streets. Twelve different bands will rev up the runners with musical performances along the route. The Lehigh Valley Road Runners produces the event with over 500 volunteers. It is one of the largest races in the country run solely by volunteers.
St. Luke’s University Health Network returns for the 13th year as the race’s presenting sponsor. The half marathon has a distance-running legacy reaching back to 1977.
Encouraging activity in youngsters, fighting childhood obesity on Saturday:
On Saturday April 22 at 2 p.m., hundreds of children aged 3-14 will race between 1/8 mile and 1 mile in Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway. Intended to introduce young people and their families to running and a healthy lifestyle, the St. Luke’s Youth Run allows them to experience the thrill of running and realize the sense of accomplishment that accompanies reaching any finish line. Proceeds from the St. Luke’s Half Marathon weekend benefit ongoing youth fitness programs like this race across the Lehigh Valley.
Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Drabenstott (for GEDP)
Drabenstott Communications Group
