Date: 9/8/19
Location: Allentown to Easton, PA
Start Time: 7:10am
Avg Temps (f): 77/52
Time Limit: 6 hours (1pm)
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
- New course for 2019 because of train disrupting course in previous years
- Two hairpin turns around miles 3.5 and 12.75, where you’ll have to slow down to make the turn. It gets hard to change speed for those kind of turns as you get later in the race.
- Course is mainly run on packed gravel rather than asphalt. Roots and other tripping hazards are spray painted, but be aware of footing
- Course is mainly flat with a couple of small pop-ups, and be ready for sore quads with a net downhill course
- Crowd support is minimal, so be ready to have quiet miles
- With the relay going on at the same time, don’t get swept up in too fast of a pace of a runner running a shorter leg
- Previous years have seen hot, humid weather
- The main part of the course’s downhill is in the beginning miles, so don’t go out too fast when there’s the most downhill to help propel you faster than normal
- Most race reports mention struggling with the humidity, the packed dirt terrain, the lack of crowds and runners near the last several miles, and expecting to PR since it’s a net downhill course and a popular BQ
Course
Type: Point to Point, net downhill, mainly on the Lehigh River Canal Towpath
Start/Finish Info: Allentown to Easton, PA, parking at both start and finish and shuttles provided both ways
Hills: Minimal – net downhill course
Aid stations
Locations of water and electrolyte stations: Water and Gatorade every 1.5-2 miles, except no Gatorade at mile 16.8
Electrolyte offered: Hammer Gels offered at miles 6.2, 12, 16.8 and 22.6
Spectator access
Access Locations: Best locations are at the relay exchange points, miles 6.2, 12, 16.8 and 22.6
Boston qualifier?
Yes
Race reports
https://www.bibrave.com/races/via-marathon-reviews/3830
https://findmymarathon.com/race-detail.php?zname=Via%20Marathon
http://fuelingforthelongrun.com/lehigh-marathon-recap/
Strava links
https://www.strava.com/activities/1830078563