EMMAUS, Pa. — The starting gun for the Emmaus Four Mile Classic is set to sound off Sunday, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the foot race through the borough.
- The Emmaus Four Mile Classic running race is set for its 45th anniversary at 9:30 a.m. Sunday
- Registration continues until Saturday and supports two memorial scholarships for graduating Emmaus High School runners
- Those in and around the borough are encouraged to cheer on the racers
The fundraising race, organized by Lehigh Valley Road Runners, starts at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, March 26, at Emmaus High School, where it also will finish.
Registration for the race closes at 8 p.m. Saturday and costs $35 plus a $3.10 processing fee.
"It's giving back to the community. We're running in the community, we're supported by the community — I think that's probably the uniqueness of it."<br/>Lehigh Valley Road Runners President Leslie Billowitch
"It's giving back to the community," Lehigh Valley Road Runners President Leslie Billowitch said. "We're running in the community, we're supported by the community — I think that's probably the uniqueness of it."
Starting in 1977, the original Emmaus 10k gradually morphed into the four-mile classic done today, meeting in the middle between a 10k and 5k race.
A one-mile fun run will take place at 9:15 a.m. prior to the start of the four-mile.
Race with a history
The race raises funds for the Ed Thompson/Nicole Reinhart Memorial Scholarship, with the signup page stating that additional proceeds from the race go to the club's efforts to promote health and fitness in the Lehigh Valley through running.
The two scholarships award $4,000 annually to "the most outstanding" male and female Emmaus High School runners. Both are named after two former Emmaus High School athletes that died at a young age — Thompson, a former member of the club, and Reinhart, a former professional cyclist.
Applications for those and other scholarships are available on the Road Runners' website.
This year's race is dedicated to Mike Richardson, a former race director and high school teacher who passed away in December. Billowitch said he was a huge part of the race.
She said those in the borough are encouraged to come to cheer people on.
Prizes are available for the top three men's and women's finishers, along with a first prize for the top Masters (40+) men's and women's finishers.
Lehigh Valley Road Runners holds many races throughout the year, including the St. Luke's Half Marathon and a summer 5k series.
The Emmaus Four Mile Classic's 2023 path is:
