Apr 25, 2024

Marathon Details - Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)

North America Marathons > USA > PA > Allentown > Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)

Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) & Half Marathon, Team Relay, 5K

Allentown, PA USA

~~September 13, 2020~~ - CANCELLED

http://www.viamarathon.org

More Info:	News
Results:	2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact

Name:	Rachel Kave
Address:	336 West Spruce Street Bethlehem, PA 18018
Phone Number:	610-317-8000 x489
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.1

Organization 3.8

Spectators 3.5

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Number of comments: 82 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

R. G. from Hoboken, NJ, USA (1/23/2019) "Came to BQ, and I BQ'd" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've been gunning for a BQT for several years, and friends suggested this race as it's right before the Boston cutoff. Much of the race is on trail, not super technical, but loose dirt with some rocks, so I trained on that type of surface. 2018 was rainy so there were some big muddy puddles to work around. Crowd support was very upbeat, as well as nice support from other runners. It was not as chilly as I anticipated which worked for me. Came away with my BQT and a nice buffer. No real expo to speak of, and food around there is dire. As far as I'm concerned though, mission accomplished.
L. S. from Brockton, MA (9/15/2018) "Beautiful course! Low key Marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I chose this race as a chance to BQ before the registration process. Bib pickup was very easy and smooth. There wasn't any lines or large crowds. Race morning it was pretty quick using portapotties and lining up. The weather was perfect with a light to moderate rain at 51 degrees. I gave the course 4 stars as I wasn't a fan of the dirt trail. I didn't mind it but once we got to mile 21 I was just bored of the same scenery. Don't get me wrong it was pretty just boring for me. If you need spectators in a race this isn't for you. There are some at a few points but not many. I would run this race again.
K. C. from New Jersey (9/11/2018) "Great course, great organization, year after year." (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 3rd running of the Lehigh Valley Marathon, and rain did not diminish my enjoyment of the race. It is extremely well organized, from start to finish. The course is enjoyable, with many miles on trails. The race also goes out and marks large rocks and tree roots on the trail for the runners. Volunteers are amazing, especially considering the lousy weather they stood out in for hours. Plenty of water/Gatorade stops, and great post-race. While you don't have a lot of spectators on the trails, I give 5 stars to those who come out on the road portions, as they are enthusiastic and encouraging. Again, they stood out in the rain without complaint cheering us on. A great race, and it helps it's the last weekend before Boston Marathon registration opens up. Many people run it for the last chance at a BQ...and many people succeed.
J. H. from NJ (9/10/2018) "Good Race Good Cause" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race organizers have always done their best to meet the needs of runners. Over the years issues and growing pains have been addressed and corrected. You really get the feeling that the race organizers care about us runners. There are no pacers but there was adequate room to line up near your expected pace and congestion was not an issue at the start or in the early miles. Volunteers were helpful, cheerful (despite the rain) and numerous. The facilities at the finish offered a snack bag, a covered area to sit and eat, massages, and beer on tap with your bib tag coupon. There wasn't a band this year because of the rain, nor an awards presentation ceremony as in other years. The course is roadway to the tow path, to a paved roadway tour around part of historic Bethlehem and then back to the tow path, paved after mile 21. Aid stations are numerous enough, every 2 to 2 1/2 miles. Spectators are few along parts of the tow path but it's shade and tranquility are welcome. The tow path is narrow at some points but does allow for passing along it's entire length. I know that I will lose some time on the cindered path (roughly 1/2 the marathon distance), do not have a PR here but have BQ'd 5 of the 8 times I've run it so it must be conductive for a good chance at a BQ. I'll keep returning because it's close to home, a good course, well organized, and benefits a good cause.
M. M. from Withheld (10/22/2017) "Avoid. Poorly planned, poorly executed." (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 After 18 weeks of BQ prep, I took two flights and drove 90 minutes to get to this 'great Boston qualifier' only to be stopped by the train, mentioned many times below. Race organizers initially denied the existence of the train, and then went silent. No email, no apology, no offer to make things right. I didn't want my money back. I didn't want a free entry in the next year's race. I wanted the organizers to show some courage and admit their mistake, to demonstrate empathy towards those who put forth enormous effort and expense to show up at the start line, and to communicate openly and honestly about what happened, and outline how they are going to fix it in the future. There is a worrying lack of professionalism and integrity with this race. They are not worthy of your best. Avoid.
S. F. from MA (10/8/2017) "Race ruined by train" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I was maintaining a 6:40/mile pace for this marathon in a final attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon the following year. Around the 9 mile mark I was stopped by a train for 8 minutes, was pushed past at the train by all the other runners who had been behind me, could not pass them on the narrow section after the train and became very stiff from having to wait. I did not qualify for the Boston Marathon even though my pace before the train and my regimen leading up to this put me in shape to do so handily. I emailed the race director after the race and, over a year later, have never received a reply or response to my request for a refund, time adjustment (I tracked the race on my phone and have evidence of what my adjusted time should be), or even free or reduced admission to this race in a future year. Given all the training I put into this race, I have truly never had a more disappointing and poorly organized experience for a single event in my entire life.
C. G. from Tri-State area (9/19/2017) "Good but not great." (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a well organized race. It's flat and it's fast because the people that run it are fast. I went for time and I just couldn't keep my pace on the trails. I just don't well run on trails, even well packed ones like these. So, if you're not used to trails or don't like them, this race may not be as 'fast' as others think. The water stations were good but a few of them were really close together. I will say, this is the 4th time I've run this race and they have improved significantly! I'd come back for the half, but I'm done with the full here. This isn't a fast race for me.
R. S. from Pennsylvania (9/11/2017) "Good race if you are informed and prepared" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I find it amusing when runners complain about course facts that are made available before hand (see previous reviews), such as course profile and characteristics. If you are looking for a fast, net-downhill race with few elevation changes and climbs, this is your race. Was a bit monotonous on long stretches of trail, but at least was out of the sun. One short, bad spot around the half, 2-3 inches of soft cinder that was tough to get through. Nicely organized. Good transportation to start. Sparse crowds, but they were mostly vocal. Ample fluid and fuel stops. Good finish area. If anyone involved in race organization is reading this: more porta johns at start. Way too few.
C. O. from Boston, MA (9/11/2017) "Great race - small but fast field of runners" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I just ran the 2017 VIA Marathon and want to add my comments because I was really nervous going in based on some posts on this message board, but my experience was that it was a great course. Here are my key points: Most importantly - the course: It is mostly flat, with a significant downhill portion at the start and a somewhat long but not too steep hill around mile 21. The elevation map on their web site is confusing. It shows the hill that starts at Mile 2 to be up and down, but it's pretty much just a downhill, and fairly steep at points. You can run it anyway you like, but the folks that took the first couple miles slow were definitely better prepared for the last few miles. Terrain - it's mostly along a tow path. I didn't know what to expect and talk of 'loose gravel' freaked me out, but it's really packed tight except for a few hundred yards of loose small gravel as you transition back to the road. I thought it was great - very forgiving on the legs and shady which kept it cool. Yes, it is narrow (2 or 3 people wide) but there's never many people around so it wasn't an issue; only once or twice did I have to go on the side grass to pass someone. Spectators - on the trail section it gets lonely but it diverts to the road at a few town centers and then there are a lot of spectators cheering. I found it to be a really cool change of pace. Water stations - they are not spaced evenly, but there are a lot of them. Probably averages one every 2 miles, but there are fewer during the trail parts and a bunch packed together near the road/town sections. There was one part where you did go almost 4 miles without a manned water/Gatorade station, but there was an unmanned station (just gallons of water and empty cups) in the middle of this section if you really needed hydration. This was my biggest fear going into the race but wound up being unfounded as they did a good job with hydration stations, even if the spacing was a bit weird. Race prep - it's fairly well organized for a small race. It's not a major city marathon (only 750+ full marathon runners) so don't expect all the perks, but for a race that size they do a great job. Runners - lots of folks shooting for Boston qualifying times, so the field is fast. That's why this is considered one of the fastest marathons in the country, because the runners are really fit and fast. Overall Recommendation - I would definitely run this again. I took 3 minutes off my PR and qualified for Boston, so I can't argue with the results.
L. J. from Boston, MA (4/16/2017) "Do not run this marathon!" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon and I was very disappointed. It is point to point and very flat with the exception of a few hills at the very end. In 2016, at mile 7.5, the course crosses a railroad track before entering into a series of gravel trails. A train rolled by and blocked hundreds of runners for 8+ minutes (I was stopped for 7). Talk about poor planning! It took months to even get an apology from the director, and no refunds! Do not come here expecting to BQ, you WILL be let down! Very few spectators along the course, and it's not competitive. So have someone to run with if you still considering running it. But I seriously recommend finding somewhere else to go.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

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R. G. from Hoboken, NJ, USA (1/23/2019) "Came to BQ, and I BQ'd" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've been gunning for a BQT for several years, and friends suggested this race as it's right before the Boston cutoff. Much of the race is on trail, not super technical, but loose dirt with some rocks, so I trained on that type of surface. 2018 was rainy so there were some big muddy puddles to work around. Crowd support was very upbeat, as well as nice support from other runners. It was not as chilly as I anticipated which worked for me. Came away with my BQT and a nice buffer. No real expo to speak of, and food around there is dire. As far as I'm concerned though, mission accomplished.
L. S. from Brockton, MA (9/15/2018) "Beautiful course! Low key Marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I chose this race as a chance to BQ before the registration process. Bib pickup was very easy and smooth. There wasn't any lines or large crowds. Race morning it was pretty quick using portapotties and lining up. The weather was perfect with a light to moderate rain at 51 degrees. I gave the course 4 stars as I wasn't a fan of the dirt trail. I didn't mind it but once we got to mile 21 I was just bored of the same scenery. Don't get me wrong it was pretty just boring for me. If you need spectators in a race this isn't for you. There are some at a few points but not many. I would run this race again.
K. C. from New Jersey (9/11/2018) "Great course, great organization, year after year." (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)s COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 3rd running of the Lehigh Valley Marathon, and rain did not diminish my enjoyment of the race. It is extremely well organized, from start to finish. The course is enjoyable, with many miles on trails. The race also goes out and marks large rocks and tree roots on the trail for the runners. Volunteers are amazing, especially considering the lousy weather they stood out in for hours. Plenty of water/Gatorade stops, and great post-race. While you don't have a lot of spectators on the trails, I give 5 stars to those who come out on the road portions, as they are enthusiastic and encouraging. Again, they stood out in the rain without complaint cheering us on. A great race, and it helps it's the last weekend before Boston Marathon registration opens up. Many people run it for the last chance at a BQ...and many people succeed.
J. H. from NJ (9/10/2018) "Good Race Good Cause" (about: 2018) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race organizers have always done their best to meet the needs of runners. Over the years issues and growing pains have been addressed and corrected. You really get the feeling that the race organizers care about us runners. There are no pacers but there was adequate room to line up near your expected pace and congestion was not an issue at the start or in the early miles. Volunteers were helpful, cheerful (despite the rain) and numerous. The facilities at the finish offered a snack bag, a covered area to sit and eat, massages, and beer on tap with your bib tag coupon. There wasn't a band this year because of the rain, nor an awards presentation ceremony as in other years. The course is roadway to the tow path, to a paved roadway tour around part of historic Bethlehem and then back to the tow path, paved after mile 21. Aid stations are numerous enough, every 2 to 2 1/2 miles. Spectators are few along parts of the tow path but it's shade and tranquility are welcome. The tow path is narrow at some points but does allow for passing along it's entire length. I know that I will lose some time on the cindered path (roughly 1/2 the marathon distance), do not have a PR here but have BQ'd 5 of the 8 times I've run it so it must be conductive for a good chance at a BQ. I'll keep returning because it's close to home, a good course, well organized, and benefits a good cause.
M. M. from Withheld (10/22/2017) "Avoid. Poorly planned, poorly executed." (about: 2016) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 After 18 weeks of BQ prep, I took two flights and drove 90 minutes to get to this 'great Boston qualifier' only to be stopped by the train, mentioned many times below. Race organizers initially denied the existence of the train, and then went silent. No email, no apology, no offer to make things right. I didn't want my money back. I didn't want a free entry in the next year's race. I wanted the organizers to show some courage and admit their mistake, to demonstrate empathy towards those who put forth enormous effort and expense to show up at the start line, and to communicate openly and honestly about what happened, and outline how they are going to fix it in the future. There is a worrying lack of professionalism and integrity with this race. They are not worthy of your best. Avoid.
S. F. from MA (10/8/2017) "Race ruined by train" (about: 2016) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I was maintaining a 6:40/mile pace for this marathon in a final attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon the following year. Around the 9 mile mark I was stopped by a train for 8 minutes, was pushed past at the train by all the other runners who had been behind me, could not pass them on the narrow section after the train and became very stiff from having to wait. I did not qualify for the Boston Marathon even though my pace before the train and my regimen leading up to this put me in shape to do so handily. I emailed the race director after the race and, over a year later, have never received a reply or response to my request for a refund, time adjustment (I tracked the race on my phone and have evidence of what my adjusted time should be), or even free or reduced admission to this race in a future year. Given all the training I put into this race, I have truly never had a more disappointing and poorly organized experience for a single event in my entire life.
C. G. from Tri-State area (9/19/2017) "Good but not great." (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)s COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a well organized race. It's flat and it's fast because the people that run it are fast. I went for time and I just couldn't keep my pace on the trails. I just don't well run on trails, even well packed ones like these. So, if you're not used to trails or don't like them, this race may not be as 'fast' as others think. The water stations were good but a few of them were really close together. I will say, this is the 4th time I've run this race and they have improved significantly! I'd come back for the half, but I'm done with the full here. This isn't a fast race for me.
R. S. from Pennsylvania (9/11/2017) "Good race if you are informed and prepared" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I find it amusing when runners complain about course facts that are made available before hand (see previous reviews), such as course profile and characteristics. If you are looking for a fast, net-downhill race with few elevation changes and climbs, this is your race. Was a bit monotonous on long stretches of trail, but at least was out of the sun. One short, bad spot around the half, 2-3 inches of soft cinder that was tough to get through. Nicely organized. Good transportation to start. Sparse crowds, but they were mostly vocal. Ample fluid and fuel stops. Good finish area. If anyone involved in race organization is reading this: more porta johns at start. Way too few.
C. O. from Boston, MA (9/11/2017) "Great race - small but fast field of runners" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I just ran the 2017 VIA Marathon and want to add my comments because I was really nervous going in based on some posts on this message board, but my experience was that it was a great course. Here are my key points: Most importantly - the course: It is mostly flat, with a significant downhill portion at the start and a somewhat long but not too steep hill around mile 21. The elevation map on their web site is confusing. It shows the hill that starts at Mile 2 to be up and down, but it's pretty much just a downhill, and fairly steep at points. You can run it anyway you like, but the folks that took the first couple miles slow were definitely better prepared for the last few miles. Terrain - it's mostly along a tow path. I didn't know what to expect and talk of 'loose gravel' freaked me out, but it's really packed tight except for a few hundred yards of loose small gravel as you transition back to the road. I thought it was great - very forgiving on the legs and shady which kept it cool. Yes, it is narrow (2 or 3 people wide) but there's never many people around so it wasn't an issue; only once or twice did I have to go on the side grass to pass someone. Spectators - on the trail section it gets lonely but it diverts to the road at a few town centers and then there are a lot of spectators cheering. I found it to be a really cool change of pace. Water stations - they are not spaced evenly, but there are a lot of them. Probably averages one every 2 miles, but there are fewer during the trail parts and a bunch packed together near the road/town sections. There was one part where you did go almost 4 miles without a manned water/Gatorade station, but there was an unmanned station (just gallons of water and empty cups) in the middle of this section if you really needed hydration. This was my biggest fear going into the race but wound up being unfounded as they did a good job with hydration stations, even if the spacing was a bit weird. Race prep - it's fairly well organized for a small race. It's not a major city marathon (only 750+ full marathon runners) so don't expect all the perks, but for a race that size they do a great job. Runners - lots of folks shooting for Boston qualifying times, so the field is fast. That's why this is considered one of the fastest marathons in the country, because the runners are really fit and fast. Overall Recommendation - I would definitely run this again. I took 3 minutes off my PR and qualified for Boston, so I can't argue with the results.
L. J. from Boston, MA (4/16/2017) "Do not run this marathon!" (about: 2016) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon and I was very disappointed. It is point to point and very flat with the exception of a few hills at the very end. In 2016, at mile 7.5, the course crosses a railroad track before entering into a series of gravel trails. A train rolled by and blocked hundreds of runners for 8+ minutes (I was stopped for 7). Talk about poor planning! It took months to even get an apology from the director, and no refunds! Do not come here expecting to BQ, you WILL be let down! Very few spectators along the course, and it's not competitive. So have someone to run with if you still considering running it. But I seriously recommend finding somewhere else to go.

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Marathon Details - Via Marathon (formerly the Lehigh Valley Hospital Marathon for Via)