In The Valley, Press Release

31st St. Luke’s Half Marathon, other events to bring thousands to Allentown April 25-26



31st running of St. Luke’s Half Marathon, other events April 25-26 to bring

thousands to Allentown for fun, fitness, competition

 

3,200+ registered for 13.1-mile flagship race, 700 for 5k;

600+ children set to take over Hamilton Street for 4/25 Youth Run;

 

Weekend events

Saturday, April 25, 3:00 p.m.      Free St. Luke’s Youth Run – 9th/Hamilton, Allentown

Sunday, April 26, 8:00 a.m.        St. Luke’s 5k – William Allen High School (18th/Linden)

Sunday, April 26, 8:10 a.m.        St. Luke’s Half Marathon – William Allen High School (18th/Linden)

Sunday, April 26, 8:15 a.m.        1.5-mile s St. Luke’s Family Fun Walk (18th/Linden)

  • The half marathon and 5k finish in J. Birney Crum Stadium. The 5k winner will finish at about 8:15. The half marathon winner at about 9:15.
  • 600+ children aged 3-14 expected for St. Luke’s Youth Run, 4/25.

An annual event continues: More than 3,000 runners are expected for the 31st running of the St. Luke’s Half Marathon (stlukeshalfmarathon.com), one of the largest and most beloved 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.

Encouraging activity in youngsters, fighting childhood obesity on Saturday:

On April 25 at 3 p.m., more than 600 children aged 3-14 will race between 1/8 mile and 1 mile along Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown. 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. On-site registration is available from 2 -2:30 p.m. (Proceeds from the St. Luke’s Half Marathon weekend benefit ongoing youth fitness programs in the Lehigh Valley, like this race.)

Also available:

  • Personal stories from participants
  • Graphics: logos, course maps
  • Fact sheets
  • Interviews with race winners at finish line (at about 9:15 a.m. for men, 9:25 a.m. for women.)
  • Final race results will be distributed after noon on Sunday.

 

Information Provided By: Michael Drabenstott