3rd Annual Veterans Combat Stigma

Team Vark 2026 registration opens March 31, 2026 and is open to the first 200 people.

Team Vark is more than just a group—it's a community of runners united by a love for the sport and the camaraderie it brings. Supported by Aardvark Sports Shop, we come together for our Saturday morning runs to push ourselves, share the experience, and inspire each other. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just enjoying the journey, you're part of the team.

Training should be stress free!! We hope that you ultimately find the right program for you, but you can switch training programs to fit your needs with no additional cost. Feel free to explore another group for a trial period, or for a more permanent switch, reach out to us at [email protected] via email.

5k training: For the beginner to experienced runner. No running experience needed!

10k training: For the beginner to experienced runner. We recommend being able to complete a 5k within 6 months before Team Vark training starts in June.

Half Marathon training: For the intermediate beginner to experienced runner. Due to logistics, staffing, and safety, we recommend that you're able to comfortably complete a 10k, without walking, within 6 months before Team Vark training starts on July 11th.

This year our season will be 15 weeks long, starting on July 11th and ending with Bethlehem Running Festival on October 16th-18th. This includes 14 training runs leading up to race weekend. Runners on Team Vark will receive...

• Team Vark race day shirt

• 10% OFF at Aardvark Sports Shop from April 1st to October 31st

• Weekly training runs

• Supplemented training schedule

• Discounted entry to Bethlehem Running Festival

• Team Vark Afterparty

We hope you join us for our 14th season of Team Vark in 2026!

Sponsored by the Business, Industrial and Professional Association of Palmer Township

Fairview Park - Palmer Township, PA

5K (3.1 miles) Run and Walk along the bike path in Palmer and Bethlehem Townships

T-shirts for the first 300 registrants

Awards for age groups: 8 to 60+

Overall top male and female winners

Raffle prizes and More

Refreshments & Food both before and after the Race

Restrooms available near the start and finish line

Race begins and ends and same area

The major benefactor of this event is the Miracle League of Northampton County

We focus on our local community, helping build a stronger tomorrow for the township as well as it's surrounding areas. That is why we have chosen to donate proceeds to the Miracle League of Northampton County, at Easton Rotary Field located in Palmer Township.

The Miracle League of Northampton County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has built a barrier free baseball field so children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities can play and enjoy the game of baseball. For more information about this organization please visit their website at miracleleagueofnc.org.

This race is part of the Annual Palmer Community Day that begins Wednesday night with a under the tent family movie and runs through Sunday.

THE 12TH ANNUAL SPARTAN SPRINT 5K RUN/WALK & FAMILY DAY!

The course starts and finishes on NCC’s Bethlehem campus. Point to point course is mostly flat and fast, on paved roads between Northampton Community College and through a local neighborhood. Post-race raffle, refreshments & family day activities (see below.) Strollers and pets are welcome behind the runners. Pets must be leashed. This race is not related to Spartan-style obstacle races.

This event is also a walk. Walkers will begin behind the runners and will not be timed.

Awards

Awards for overall male and overall female; awards to top male and female finisher in each age bracket: (No duplication of awards)

14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Please note: this race is not related to Spartan style obstacle course races

We are once again teaming up with NCC's Student Life as they host FAMILY DAY from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come for the 5K and stay for FAMILY DAY! There will be something for everyone: food, music, activities for the whole family. All details about FAMILY DAY can be found here: https://www.northampton.edu/student-experience-and-support/student-life/family-day.html

A truly fun run that kicks off the Tartan Parade - Kilts and plaid are highly encouraged!

This is the 34th Celtic Classic 5K Run/Walk, produced by Bethlehem Morning Star Rotary. All proceeds go towards Morning Star's educational and leadership programs for local students.

Be a part of this first class event featuring chip timing. Run or walk and spend the rest of the day enjoying the Celtic Classic and Historic Downtown Bethlehem.

EVENT: 5K (3.1 Mile) Run / Walk

WHEN: Saturday, Sept 26th 2025

10:00am Registration / Race Packet Pickup at Bethlehem Area Public Library

11:00am Participants move to Start Line by Bethlehem Area Public Library

11:30am Race Start on Parade Route

12:30pm Awards Ceremony

5K begins at Bethlehem Area Public Library and ends at Sand Island in Bethlehem, PA

AMENITIES:

• T-shirts to at least the first 150 entrants

• Refreshments both before and after race

• Post race fun in Bethlehem – Celtic Classic or Historic Bethlehem

• Restrooms/porta-potties available near start / finish line for all participants

The Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K is back - 10:30 AM Start!

In partnership with Run Lehigh Valley, we are bringing you a fantastic 5K experience!

Ja! Every runner receives an official race t-shirt --> long-sleeved women's and unisex shirts available (Last day to register in order to guarantee a shirt is September 18th, 2026)

Ja! Every runner receives a mug of delicious Yuengling Oktoberfest at the end of the race, we don't skimp, 22 oz (we'll have root beer too)!

Ja! Every runner receives a custom finisher medal (guaranteed for first 1,000 to register)

Ja! Every runner receives a customized race bib (guaranteed if registered by 9/12)

Ja! Every runner receives the admiration and respect of their peers who didn't participate in this literal race for beer!

The 11th annual Yuengling Oktoberfest 5K run/walk is set for Sunday, October 4th, 2026, coinciding with the annual Oktoberfest presented by FLYLVIA celebration at SteelStacks.

Register early and save some money, which you can spend on more...Yuengling!

REGISTRATION BREAKDOWN:

January 31 - July 29: $50

July 30 - September 29: $55

September 30 - October 4: $60

RACE BIB PICK-UP

You can pick up your bibs at the Visitor Center on the following dates/times:

Friday, October 2: 4 PM - 6 PM

Saturday, October 3: 12 PM - 6 PM

Sunday, October 4: 8 AM - 10 AM

Cancellation Policy:

If the event is forced to cancel for any reason - if we are > 30 days from the race, a full refund (less registration fees) will be granted

If the event is forced to cancel for any reason - if we are < 30 days from the race, we will convert to a virtual race and send out swag directly