On Your Mark, Get Set ...
Sign Up Today for 16th Annual Lehigh River Relay Run
News Release: May 16, 2006
Contact: Janice Osborne, director-Communications and Marketing; (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

Runners of all abilities are invited to make strides to raise funds for the American Red Cross at the 16th Annual Red Cross Lehigh River Relay Run on Sunday, July 16. Proceeds from the event benefit the programs and services of the local Red Cross chapter which serves Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties.

“Home fires are the most common disaster in the Lehigh Valley. Every three days on average, Red Cross volunteers respond to the scene and provide fire victims with assistance for temporary lodging, food, clothing, and other special needs. This relief is made possible by funding we receive through events such as the River Relay,” said John R. Hughes, executive director.

About 600 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 13.

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. Runners can register online or download an entry form by visiting www.redcrosslv.org/specialevents/riverrun.html. Race entry forms are also available at area running stores, athletic clubs, sports stores, colleges, universities and at the Red Cross.

Family and friends can sponsor runners online through a secured online donation site at www.redcrosslv.org/specialevents/riverrun.html.

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.
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 Services Corp., The Express-Times/The Allentown Times, Lehigh Valley Road Runners, Health Network Laboratories, Aesculap, GEICO, Scott Hummer, Klunk & Millan Advertising, and Coca-Cola.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call Linda Zulli-Trumbauer at (610) 865-4400, ext. 258, 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.