2026 Celtic Classic 5K

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!

Remaining Race Dates: September 2

This is a free 5k race series which includes 5 races held on the first Wednesday of each month from May through September.

You do not need to be an LVRR club member to participate in this series. Sign up online and come out to Lehigh Parkway for this relaxed, no-frills race.

The course is accurately measured, mostly flat, cinder trail in the Parkway. Due to scheduled repairs to Bogarts Bridge, the course will be modified in 2025 Course Map

Race Day Check-In: Begins at 5:30 PM - All runners must check in.

Age: Racers must be 10 years of age.

Time Limit: 60 minutes (19:35 minute/mile)

Start Time: Begins at 6:30 PM with the exception of September which begins at 6:00 PM

We will no longer host the Potluck Dinner – The club will provide hotdogs, water and chips. Please do not bring food to share.

FINAL RACE OF OUR SUMMER SERIES!

OUR PREDICTION RUN IS BACK!!!

HOW IT WORKS: No watches!!! At 6 PM we will set the clock to 60 minutes and it will count down to zero. You start your race at the time you think it will take you to finish. If everyone guesses correctly, everyone should finish at the same time.

This is a free 5k race series that includes 5 races held on the first Wednesday of each month from May through September.

You do not need to be an LVRR club member to participate in this series. Sign up online and come out to Lehigh Parkway for this relaxed, no-frills race.

The course is accurately measured, mostly flat, cinder trail in the Parkway. Due to scheduled repairs to Bogarts Bridge, the course is modified. Course Map

Race Day Check-In: Begins at 5:15 PM - All runners must check in prior to the race. Please look for our volunteers in orange safety vests.

Age: Racers must be 10 years of age.

Time Limit: 60 minutes (19:35 minute/mile)

Start Time: Begins at 6:00 PM this month

We will no longer host the Potluck Dinner – The club will provide hotdogs, water and chips. Please do not bring food to share.

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

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