More than 4,500 runners and walkers participated in the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via Sept. 6 and 7 to test their personal stamina and endurance.

The race began shortly after 7 a.m. at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, with the finish line later in the day in downtown Easton.

The event was made possible through the cooperation of Lower Ma-cungie, Salisbury, Bethlehem and Palmer townships, the cities of Allentown, Easton and Bethlehem, the boroughs of Freemansburg and Wilson, PennDOT, and the Fish and Boat Commission.

Most of the race took place along the Lehigh Canal Towpath Sept. 7 with police closing key traffic intersections in sequence throughout the race route to expedite the event without runners having to dodge motor vehicles during the race.

The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon is the second fastest marathon in the United States, and is a unique full and half marathon, five-person team relay, 5K run, Kids Race and Via Walk. Bart Yasso, chief running officer at Runner's World Magazine designed the course.

The LVHN Via Marathon raises funds for Via's services for children and adults with disabilities.

Via's mission is to provide support and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities so they can live full, independent and productive lives within the community.

"It is both impressive and inspiring to see the considerable cooperation that exists from community to community to make this race happen," said Lisa Walkiewicz, vice president of communication for Via.

Via works with children up to age 3 in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays.

Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment.

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The top 15 winners of the 5K were:

1) Spencer West 333 00:17:10 05:32 Davie, Fla. Male 1

2) Joshua Santiago 292 00:18:29 05:57 Allentown, Male 2

3) Daron Williams 296 00:18:37 06:00 Allentown, Male 3

4) Nicholas Slenker 274 00:19:01 06:08 Allentown, Male 4

5) Matthew Wallace 284 00:19:05 06:09 East Stroudsburg, Male 5

6) Jawn Williams 288 00:19:31 06:17 Allentown, M01-17 1

7) Philip Hauserman 239 00:19:41 06:21 Decatur, Ga. M30-34 1

8 )Michael Rodas 347 00:19:47 06:22 Allentown, M01-17 2

9) Willow Childs 295 00:19:49 06:23 Allentown, Female 1

10) Meta Haley 302 00:20:01 06:27 Sewicklye, Female 2

11) Brandon Weaver 290 00:20:06 06:29 Allentown, M35-39 1

12) Moises Muniz 158 00:20:30 06:36 Allentown, Master's Male 1

13) Clayton Stauffer 200 00:20:40 06:40 Bechtelsville, M30-34 2

14 Mark Anthony McDaleis 344 00:21:34 06:57 Allentown, M01-17 3

15) Joshua Katrick 142 00:21:40 06:59.

The top 15 winners of the marathon relay were:

1) Team Lehigh Valley Xc Coaches 123 02:38:31 06:03 Easton, Overall 1

2) Team Riders On The Storm 219 02:41:41 06:10 Perkasie, Overall 2

3) Team J'S Run Ladies Xc Team 150 02:48:30 06:26 Center Valley, Overall 3

4) Team Racey 270 02:48:54 06:27 Warrington, Mixed Open 1

5) Team Lutron Wellness Warriors 206 02:52:13 06:35 Perkasie, Corporate Cup Men's 1

6) Team Viatores 195 02:52:38 06:36 Bethlehem, Men's Super Masters 1

7) Team Half Fast Hash House Harriers 257 02:55:45 06:43 Allentown, Mixed Open 2

8) Team Ppl-Nado 316 02:56:49 06:45 Emmaus, Corporate Cup Men's 2

9) Team Energizer Bonnies 112 02:57:06 06:46 Wescosville, Mixed Masters 1

10) Team Sofa King Tired 309 03:00:19 06:53 Easton, Mixed Masters 2

11) Team Blue Lizards 298 03:02:56 06:59 Macungie, Mixed Masters 3

12) Team Ottstanding 245 03:04:53 07:04 Schnecksville, Mixed Open 3

13) Team La Ladies 280 03:05:48 07:06 Nazareth, Women's Open 1

14) Team AT&T 328 03:07:56 07:11 Allentown, Corporate Cup Mixed 1

15) Team B.Braun Geschwindigkeit-Sters 138 03:12:35 07:21 Bethlehem.