Salisbury Grad Wins LVHN Via Marathon

graduate Ian Hilliard won the 2012 Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via on Sunday, according to The Morning Call.

The 22-year-old came in first out of 681 runners with a time of 2:42.

Sara Morrison, 29, of Boston, was the first-place female finisher.

For more race results, visit www.vianet.org.

Hilliard, who lives in Media, Delaware County, told The Call he chose to run the race because he didn't want to drive to Boston.

"I know the course. I love the area. It was a good decision," he was quoted as saying.

The race, which began at , wound through other parts of Salisbury Township, Allentown, Lehigh Parkway, Lower Macungie, Bethlehem and finished in Easton's Center Square.

More than 3,000 runners and walkers participated in the two-day event, which raises money for Via of the Lehigh Valley, an organization founded in 1954 to provide services for people with disabilities.

“We expect our fundraising to surpass last year,” said Lisa Walkiewicz, vice president of communications for Via.

More than 500 volunteers are out on the course on race day -- staffing water stations, directing runners along the course and providing medical support.

"The Lehigh Valley has really embraced this event and the outpouring of community support has been tremendous,” Walkiewicz said.