Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon
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Event details
The Lehigh Valley New Year’s Chaser takes place on January 1, 2026 in Coplay, PA at the Ironton Rail Trail (245 N 2nd St.). The event includes the following distances:
- Half Marathon
- 10K
- 5K
- Combo 5K and 10K
The event is held rain or shine and has a 4-hour time limit for all events. A 10% discount on race entry is available for active service members and their family. There will not be a formal awards ceremony; awards can be picked up after finishing. Overall top placements are awarded in male/female/non-binary categories, and age-group awards (top 3) are given in standard age brackets from 15 & under through 80+. First-time half marathon and combo finishers receive a commemorative plaque. Early starts are not available for the 5K or 10K; an early start option is offered for the half (and full if applicable) but early-start participants are not eligible for awards.
Course and services
All events start and finish at the same point next to the Saylor Cement Kilns. The half marathon is two loops of a generally flat 5.25-mile course on smooth asphalt; each loop includes an out-and-back spur that makes the loop 6.55 miles. The course low point is 365 feet and the high point is 389 feet, with about 184 feet of elevation gain per 6.55-mile loop. One section rises 30 feet over 0.3 mile. The 10K follows the same loop with a shorter spur to total about 6.2 miles. Aid stations with water and Gatorade are placed about every two miles. Race amenities include a t-shirt, finisher medal, ankle running socks, live/text/email results, and free finish-line photos. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
