Travel & Lodging
The Lehigh Valley
Allentown, Bethlehem & Easton, PA
A community dating back to 1650’s, Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton make up what we call today the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. Transformed from an industrial and manufacturing center in the 20th century, today it is an arts and cultural community featuring a robust supply of visual and performing arts.
Healthcare, finance and technology now provide the backbone of our business activity. The community is dynamic and has a quality of life that is unsurpassed in our modern society. The community is, at the same time, historic and diverse. It is also the home to Runner’s World Magazine and the entire Rodale enterprise.
About the Course
This net descent course starts marathon runners and relay teams at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. Maybe an odd location to start, but it’s easy to find and has plenty of parking. It’s a quick trip to the Lehigh Parkway, past the Fish Hatchery, across a covered bridge and heading towards the Lehigh River. At mile 7, you enter the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Mile 12 places you in Bethlehem, PA with a run through the 18th Century Industrial Quarter. Canal locks, a boat launch and several parks make up the run to Easton, PA. At mile 25, the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers is right before you. Just 1 more mile places you at the finish line in Easton.
Scenic, shady and a net descent drop of 240’ make it an attractive qualifying run for the Boston Marathon. The average runner’s time for the past few years has been 4:02 hours. The half marathon starts half through the full marathon course and is run on the Bethlehem to Easton part of the course. The 5K Run, Via Walk and Kids Race are held at SteelStacks in historic south Bethlehem.
Airports
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
3.6 miles from the start of the Marathon/Team Relay, 8 miles from the start of the Half Marathon and 20 miles from the finish line.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
68.7 miles east of the start of the Marathon/Team Relay, 76.1 miles east of start of the Half Marathon and 85 miles north of the finish line.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
81.7 miles east of the start of the Marathon/Team Relay, 74.7 miles east of start of the Half Marathon and 61 miles east of the finish line.
Official Hotels
Hilton Garden Inn
Allentown, Bethlehem Airport |
Marathon Rate - $129
Group Code: VIA
For every reservation, the Hilton Garden Inn will donate $10 to Via!
LIMITED Shuttle Service to the start line is being offered to all guests; please make arrangements when making reservations.
For every reservation, the Hilton Garden Inn will donate $10 to Via!
|
1787-B Airport Road
Allentown, PA 18109 |
610-443-1400 |
- 9 Miles from Marathon/Team Relay Start
- 5.9 Miles from Half Marathon Start
- 15 Miles from Finish
|
| Hyatt Place |
Special Marathon Rate - $139
Group Code: VIA Marathon
(must call to receive rate, not available online)
|
45 West North Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018 |
610-625-0500 |
- Within Walking Distance of Half Marathon Start
|
Marriott TownePlace Suites
Easton |
Marathon Rate - $117
Group Code: VIA Marathon
(must call to receive rate, not available online)
For every reservation, the Hilton Garden Inn will donate $10 to Via
|
3800 Easton/Nazareth Highway
Easton, PA 18045 |
610-829-2000 |
- 22 Miles from Marathon/Team Relay Start
- 14 Miles from Half Marathon Start
- 5 Miles from Finish
|
| Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem |
Marathon Rate – Friday $189; Saturday $229 (must call to receive rate, not available online)
Group Code: GVA0918
Paying guest must be age 21 or older.
|
77 Sands Boulevard,
Bethlehem, PA 18015 |
877-726-3777 |
- 1.8 Miles from Half Marathon Start
- Midway between Marathon/Team Relay Start and Finish Line
|
| Grand Estonian Suites Hotel |
Marathon Rate -$159
Group Code: Via Marathon
(must call to receive rate, not available online)
|
140 Northampton St, Easton, PA 18042 |
610-258-6350 |
- Within Walking Distance of Finish and Race Transportation
|
| Hampton Inn |
Marathon Rate - $145
Group Code: Via Marathon
(must call to receive rate, not available online) Includes complimentary continental breakfast.
|
3723 Nazareth Rd, Easton, PA 18045 |
610-250-6500 |
- 22 Miles from Start
- 6 Miles from Finish
|
Comfort Suites
Bethlehem |
Marathon Rate - $139
(must call to receive rate, not available online)
|
120 West Third Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015 |
610-882-9700 |
• 0.9 Miles from Half Marathon Start |
Best Western
Bethlehem |
Marathon Rate - $92
Group Code: VIA Marathon
Book Now
For every reservation, the Hilton Garden Inn will donate $5 to Via
|
300 Gateway Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18017 |
610-954-5000 |
• 3.4 Miles from Half Marathon Start
• 11 Miles from Finish |
Courtyard Marriott
Bethlehem |
Marathon Rate - $139
(must call to receive rate, not available online)
Book Now
|
2160 Motel Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18018 |
781-350-1622 |
• 3.4 Miles from Half Marathon Start
• 12 Miles from Marathon Start
• 15 Miles from Finish |
Residence Inn
Allentown, Bethlehem/LV Airport |
Marathon Rate - $139 |
2180 Motel Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18018 |
1-800-marriot |
• 3.4 Miles from Half Marathon Start
• 12 Miles from Marathon Start
• 15 Miles from Finish |
| The Center at Holiday Inn Lehigh Valley |
Marathon Rate - $110
Call to receive group rate
LIMITED Shuttle Service to the start line is being offered to all guests; please make arrangements when making reservations.
|
1787-B Airport Road
Allentown, PA 18109 |
610-391-1000 |
• 8 Miles from Half Marathon Start
• 16 Miles from Marathon Start
• 25 Miles from Finish |
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