From left, Scranton Half Marathon committee members Bruce Beauvis, Jason Geadrities,
Owen Worozbyt, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority operations director; Tim Holmes,
Dr. Tom Minora, Joseph Corcoran, LHVA executive director; Matt Hunter and Matt Byrne

Partners in Progress

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area found a cherished partner in 2014 when former Mayor Chris Doherty and organizers of the inaugural Scranton Half Marathon joined more than 2,500 runners for a 13.1-mile journey around the Electric City.
Once voted the northeast’s top-ranked half marathon by Competitor Running magazine, the charity race continues thriving as hundreds of runners and walkers mark the event on their calendars.
The relationship deepened in 2017 when Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority officials unveiled the Scranton Half Marathon Pavilion near the entrance of the Scranton Riverwalk. The course took competitors from the Olive Street Trailhead of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail through several neighborhoods and downtown Scranton.
“Today, dozens of charities benefit from the trail’s natural amenities, and the Scranton Half Marathon stands as a shining example of a first-class event’s positive contributions to our region,” said Owen Worozbyt, LHVA director of operations.
In March 2023, the Scranton Half Marathon once again demonstrated a firm commitment to the community, raising more than $37,000 for Heritage Valley. The funds will enable LHVA to continue making upgrades to the Scranton portion of the 70-mile trail. Worobzyt said several enhancements have already been made in Scranton, including the installation of security cameras and the clearing of trees along Olive Street to Seventh Avenue.
“The work of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley cannot be overstated,” said Dr. Tom Minora of the Scranton Half Marathon committee. “They are a driving force behind so many programs and events that enrich our community in so many ways.”
The Scranton Half Marathon is slated for April 7, 2024. Visit www.scrantonhalf.com for more information.