Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Elevation Gain
100m
Elevation Range
35m
Avg Temperature
65°F / 18°C
Course Profile
rolling
Course Map & Elevation
This route is generated and may not follow the exact official course.
Course Overview
A net-downhill point-to-point course dropping from 110m in Allentown to 75-95m along the Lehigh River towpath, with under 40m of total elevation variation. The course runs through downtown Allentown, descends to the flat Lehigh Canal towpath (km 16-34), then finishes through historic Bethlehem at the SteelStacks site. What makes Lehigh Valley unique is the BQ-friendly combination of a flat towpath section and September heat — the course is fast but the weather demands heat management that most cool-weather BQ attempts do not require.
Key Segments
Allentown to Lehigh River
Terrain: Gradual climb from 95m to course high of 110m through Allentown suburbs, then steady descent to 75m at the towpath entrance
Challenge: The opening climb through residential Allentown is the most demanding terrain on the course; runners burn matches here that they need for the towpath second half
Tactic: Treat the first 16km as a warm-up. Resist banking time on the flat residential streets. The descent to the towpath will reward patience — do not push the uphill section.
Lehigh River Towpath
Terrain: Arrow-straight flat towpath at 75-85m on compacted crushed limestone and paved surfaces along the historic Lehigh Canal. Minimal turns, consistent footing
Challenge: 18km of monotonous straight flat running with few spectators between km 18-30 leads to loss of focus and pace drift in either direction
Tactic: Lock into goal pace and stay mechanical. This is the BQ section — the flat towpath rewards metronomic consistency. Break it into 3km chunks. Take on nutrition at every station.
Towpath to Historic Bethlehem
Terrain: Leaving the towpath onto city streets, gently rising from 94m to 97m through Bethlehem's historic Moravian district
Challenge: Transition from monotonous towpath to city streets requires mental adjustment; the gentle rise through Bethlehem feels harder than it looks on depleted legs
Tactic: Use the novelty of Bethlehem's architecture and the Moravian district as psychological landmarks. Crowd support builds — lean into it.
Bethlehem Steel to SteelStacks Finish
Terrain: Flat urban roads at 95m past the iconic blast furnaces of old Bethlehem Steel to the SteelStacks finish
Challenge: September heat peaks in the final kilometres for back-of-pack runners; the flat finish offers no downhill assistance
Tactic: The blast furnaces are your landmark. Growing crowd support through South Bethlehem carries you to the finish. If you were patient on the towpath, you can push the final 3km.
Race-Specific Training
- •Practice 20-25km sustained marathon-pace efforts on flat terrain (rail trails, canal paths) to build the neuromuscular economy and mental discipline for the monotonous towpath section
- •Train in summer heat — September race-day temps routinely reach 21-24C (70-75F), meaningfully warmer than ideal marathon conditions, requiring a 30-60 sec/km pace adjustment
- •Include pre-cooling strategies in race-week rehearsals: cold towels, ice at the start line, and aggressive early hydration to delay core temperature rise in the September warmth
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Low elevation at 75-110m. No altitude concerns.
Weather
September race. Morning temps 14-18C (57-64F) at start, climbing to 21-24C (70-75F) by mid-morning. Humidity common in early September. Meaningfully warmer than ideal marathon conditions of 8-12C.
Sun & Wind
Morning sun exposure increases throughout the race. The open towpath offers minimal shade and limited wind protection. September cold fronts are possible but rare — have a heat plan ready.
What to Wear
Lightweight, light-coloured singlet. Pre-cool with cold towels at the start. Do not overdress for a cool morning — the heat builds quickly by mid-race.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-16 | Goal pace — do not bank time | The Allentown climb is the most demanding terrain. Treat it as a warm-up. The descent to the towpath rewards patience. |
| km 16-34 | Goal pace, metronomic consistency | The BQ section. Arrow-straight flat towpath. Lock in and stay mechanical. Do not drift faster or slower — maintain discipline. |
| km 34-39 | Goal pace, even effort | Transition to Bethlehem streets. Use the historic architecture and growing crowds for mental fuel. |
| km 39-42.195 | Goal pace or push | Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces ahead. If you executed the towpath patiently, this is where you earn your BQ. |
Race Day Tip
If race-morning temperature is above 18C (64F) at the start, activate your heat plan immediately: add 30-60 sec/km to your target pace, take fluids at every station, and use ice at aid stations. On a cool September morning after a cold front, this course can deliver exceptional times — the flat towpath and well-organized pacing groups provide ideal BQ conditions.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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