DMSE SPORTS JOINS LVHN VIA MARATHON AS RACE CONSULTANT

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania  The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon is pleased to announce that Dave McGillivray and DMSE Sports have been hired as Race Consultant for the 2017 LVHN Via Marathon.

Dave McGillivray, founder of DMSE, is a philanthropist, motivational speaker, accomplished athlete, and Race Director for many road races, including the B.A.A. Boston Marathon. 

From his extraordinary run across the U.S. to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 1978, to serving as technical director and then race director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon since the 1980s, McGillivray has organized more than 900 mass participatory events since founding DMSE in 1981.

DMSE Sports now manages more than 30 major road races and charitable events each year, including the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, TD Beach to Beacon in Maine, Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Run, Harvard Pilgrim Finish at the Fifty at Patriot Place, the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, the New Balance Falmouth Road Race, and the Runners World Half Marathon.

“We are extremely excited to partner with DMSE and to reap the benefits of Dave McGillivray’s vast experience,” said Gerry Yasso, Vice President of Via Events, Inc.  “Our Race Committee felt that this was a positive and necessary step for our event’s future.  We’re looking forward to working together with DMSE to take our race to the next level.”

The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon encompasses six events:  a Marathon, Half Marathon, five-person Team Relay, 5K Run, Kids Race & Via Walk.  Scenic, shady and with a net elevation drop of 240’ ,  the Via Marathon is one of the fastest marathon's in the US . In fact, in 2013, Via had the 4th highest Boston qualifying percentage of all U.S. marathons.

“DMSE Sports is excited to consult with the Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon team,” said McGillivray.  “We have only heard great things about the race and are looking forward to helping to raise a bar a bit more for all the participants so that they can continue to perform at the highest level and enjoy the very best any race has to offer.”

Race Weekend is September 9 & 10, 2017.  Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team relay registration closes on August 8, 2017.  5K and Walk registration continues through Saturday, September 9, 2017.  Volunteers are also needed for race weekend.  Volunteer, register or donate online at www.ViaMarathon.org.  Email or call with questions Events@ViaNet.org or 610-317-8000.

The LVHN Via Marathon raises funds for Via of the Lehigh Valley’s services for children and adults with disabilities.  Serving our community since 1952, the dedicated and committed care providers at Via work to help children overcome developmental delays, help people find meaningful and sustainable jobs, and provide the resources and opportunities for people with disabilities to lead active and enjoyable lives in their own community.  Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.