DMSE SPORTS NAMED RACE DIRECTOR FOR LVHN VIA MARATHON

BETHLEHEM, Pennsylvania — The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon is pleased to announce that DMSE Sports has been hired as Race Director for the LVHN Via Marathon under a multi-year agreement beginning in 2018.

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. 

DMSE Sports now manages more than 30 major road races and charitable events each year, including 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.

Andy Deschenes, DMSE’s Vice President of Events, will lead the DMSE team’s efforts on this race.   A 30 year professional in the design and construction industry, he creates many of the maps and diagrams used for the races, especially the start and finish venues. Deschenes has been affiliated with DMSE since 1995 and works on a dozen DMSE races each year, including the BAA Boston Marathon, the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, and the New Balance Falmouth Road Race. Before joining DMSE he was a start coordinator for the New York City Marathon and also worked for the Rock n' Roll Marathon in San Diego and the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. Deschenes completed the 100th running of the Boston Marathon in 1996 and has competed in dozens of 10Ks, 5Ks, sprint triathlons, and duathlons over the past 30 years.

“My team and I are really excited about joining up with the Via team to produce a high quality, flawless event,” said Deschenes.  “It’s a fast, fun course, and we’d love to see a lot of people make it both a yearly tradition and their BQ.”

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 2017, Via had the 6th highest Boston qualifying percentage of all U.S. marathons. Race Weekend is September 8 & 9, 2018.  Marathon, Half Marathon, and Team Relay registration closes on August 8, 2018.  5K and Walk registration continues through Saturday, September 8, 2018. 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.