More than 3,500 runners took part in today's events, benefiting children and adults with disabilities, organizers said.
More than 3,500 runners raised more than $200,000 for children and adults with disabilities during today's Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon races, according to organizers.
Today was the seventh annual marathon organized by the hospital network and Via of the Lehigh Valley Inc., a nonprofit in Bethlehem that helps children and adults who have disabilities.
The marathon, half marathon and relay drew 100 percent increases in participation across all the events, due to a more regional marketing reach and interest in qualifying for the Boston Marathon in April, said Lisa Walkiewicz, Via's vice president of communications. Total participation was 3,538 runners, she said.
Participants vying for a spot in the Boston Marathon, which will be the first since homemade bombs at the finish line killed three and injured more than 180 others earlier this year, must run a certain time based on their gender and age in another marathon to qualify for Boston. As a result, today's 26.2-mile race drew 90 percent of its runners from outside the Lehigh Valley and 75 percent from outside Pennsylvania. Some 37 states and several countries were represented, Walkiewicz said.
“We’re seeing similar things that we saw after 9/11,” Walkiewicz said. “People want to show that nothing is going to stop them from doing what they love.”
Katrina Delgadillo, of Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., already qualifies for the Boston Marathon following a 3:33 time in last October’s BayState Marathon in Massachusetts. She attempted to beat that time Sunday but came in at 4:02.
“I feel good," she still said after crossing the finish line in Downtown Easton. The marathon and relay began at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, with the half-marathon beginning in Center City Bethlehem.
Rebecca Grady, of Arlington, Va., also had been trying to qualify for Boston to send a message to victims that they are being supported.
“It really drives you to support the people who were there … just to band together and say, ‘We’re going to keep running and keep strong,’” she said.
For Jim Bus, of North Whitehall Township, who coaches girls varsity soccer at Parkland High School, it was his first race. Bus ran with four other family members and employees of ATAS International Inc., a metal roofing company in Upper Macungie Township.
“They already have me signed up for the next one,” he said with a chuckle.
His sister-in-law, Peggy Bus, of Upper Macungie Township, said she is particularly attracted to the Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon because of its trail, scenery along the Lehigh River and organization.
"They do a nice job,” she said.
Participants today also included friends, acquaintances and family members of the late Mark Werkheiser, who ran in tribute.
Werkheiser, 38, of Williams Township, was killed in March 2012 by the mother of his four children. Elizabeth "Lily" Collazo has been sentenced to life imprisonment for his murder.
Ron Werkheiser, Mark's brother, said 10 teams wearing T-shirts that stated, “Mark’s Voice,” ran in support of Werkheiser’s children.
Sue Hetten, of Catasauqua, a friend of someone who had worked with Stacy Werkheiser, Mark’s sister-in-law, described the turnout in Mark’s memory as “amazing.”
Ron Werkheiser became choked up and said, “It’s amazing that people are doing so much.”
Runners nearing the finish line at Easton's Scott Park were cheered on by spectators who shouted, “You’re going to make it," "Keep moving," "The finish line is right there!” and “You can do this!”
This is the first year the finish line has been at Scott Park on Larry Holmes Drive since being moved from Centre Square. Walkiewicz attributed the move to more space and better scenery -- at the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers -- for the final lap.
“You couldn’t ask for a prettier finish,” she said. “It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the Lehigh Valley to finish.”