American Red Cross to Host 15th Annual Lehigh River Relay Run on July 17 Runners, Volunteers, Sponsors Are Encouraged to Sign Up Now

"Last year, nearly $30,000 was raised through corporate sponsorships and runner pledges. That financial contribution was a much-needed boost as we faced a record number of disasters in the Greater Lehigh Valley," said John Hughes, executive director. "Funds raised through events like this provide disaster relief assistance - clothing, shoes, meals, lodging, medication replacement and more - to families whose lives are drastically changed by a house fire or other emergency."

About 700 runners are expected to participate in the 23-mile team relay and iron division run that begins at Canal Park in Allentown, winds through Bethlehem and finishes in Easton's Riverside Park. Relay distances vary from 3.38 miles to 5.08 miles. Iron participants run the entire 23 miles.

Entry fee for the race is based on a pledge format, allowing participants to solicit support from friends, neighbors and co-workers. Minimum pledge is $150 per team and $50 per iron division runner, if received by June 10. After June 10, the minimum pledge is $175 per team and $60 per iron division runner. No registrations will be accepted after July 14. Prizes will be awarded to the team and individual raising the most money, the team with the most creative name and the best-dressed team.

Awards will be presented in 19 team relay division categories and six iron runner categories following the race at about 10:30 a.m. at Easton's Riverside Park. The overall first-place male and female teams and male and female iron finishers' names will be added to a commemorative Red Cross race plaque.

All runners and volunteers will receive a T-shirt and other items. Iron runner finishers will receive a medal. Food and beverages will be provided at the finish line. Race entry forms are available online at www.redcrosslv.org and at area running stores, athletic clubs, sports stores and colleges and universities.

About 100 volunteers are needed to ensure the safety and success of this event. Volunteer activities include assembling race packets, serving water and sports drinks to runners along the course, acting as directional guides for runners, setting up of the food court, assisting in race timing and results tallying, assisting with parking and cleanup.

Major sponsors of this year's race include The Hawk 99.9., The Morning Call, Global Environmental Technologies, PPL Corp. and its affiliates, The Express-Times/The Allentown Times, Lehigh Valley Road Runners, Health Network Laboratories, Runner's World, Coca-Cola, Geico, SCCI Hospitals and Klunk & Millan Advertising.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call Paula Marinkovits at (610) 865-4400, ext. 259, or visit www.redcrosslv.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.