Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser offers a flat, paved loop to start the year with a medal.
Race Date
Jan 1, 2027
Location
Coplay, PA
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, January 1, 2027
- Location
- Coplay, Pennsylvania
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 15K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 479
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser is a unique way to ring in the new year, offering a flat, fast course that’s ideal for setting early-season personal bests. Held on January 1st in Coplay, PA, the event provides a refreshing start to the running calendar.
The race utilizes a paved rail trail, with the half marathon typically consisting of two loops. This out-and-back design, combined with minimal elevation change, makes it a prime candidate for a PR. Runners can expect well-placed water stops and volunteers managing any road crossings, ensuring a smooth race experience.
Finisher's medals are a highlight, often noted for their shine and celebratory design, perfect for commemorating the first run of the year. While the field size is modest, averaging around 79 finishers, the event draws participants from multiple states, with about 20% being repeat runners. Post-race, participants can enjoy refreshments like water, fruit, sandwiches, and cookies, capping off a festive start to the year.
Race-provided description
Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K Ironton Rail Trail January 1, 2027 in Coplay, PA We are happy to announce that this event is part of our new Half Marathon Series. More information is available by clicking on the link below:
https://events.elitefeats.com/half A great way to kick off your New Year and get started on the right foot. This fun, flat, fast course is sure to please every runner, not to mention, we have wonderful post-race celebration and bling to please any runner. All events start and finish at the same point next to the Saylor Cement Kilns, 245 N 2nd St., Coplay, PA.We are proud to announce that we have a non-binary registration option that has their own awards categories: overall and age groups.Every first time finisher in the half marathon will receive a ceremonial First 5k/10k/Half Marathon special plaque for your accomplishment along with a finisher’s medal. Find Mark at the end of the race and let him know you ran your first race. This race is part of the new Half Marathon race series. More information can be found by clicking the link below: https://events.elitefeats.com/half
SWAG Elite Feats is known for high-end, well-designed SWAG at our events. Entry fees will include: T-shirtFinisher's medalAnkle running socksWe do everything we can to make sure your shirt size and medal and socks are available. Sometimes items may not be available at your event.Please talk with our registration people after the race or see Mark if you have not received your SWAG! We will address and resolve your concerns to your satisfaction. Our commitment to you is that we will make good on getting any item that you expect and deserve.
Medal design 2025 (artist rendering)
2025 T-Shirt (artist draft)
I Run for Fun socks
Thank you for your Service! All of our events feature a 10% discount on race entry for all service members and their family. Click/tap here for more information.
Elite Feats is known for fun, well organized events with incredible SWAG and event food. For additional information, email events@elitefeats.com. We are always happy to answer any questions you have about our races. Our goal is for you to have the very best possible race day experience. For additional information and race updates please check our website: https://elitefeats.com/upcoming/. Image by Markus Distelrath from Pixabay
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, January 1, 2027
Start Time
10:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Ironton Rail Trail 245 N 2nd St., Coplay, PA, 18037
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick555 years running
~105 finishers a year
shrinking
20% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:23:35
typical high 46°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
32°
Afternoon (High)
46°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
78%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 479 finishers actually crossed the line across 5 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
479
Median time
2:05:25
Latest turnout
79
States
12
Turnout by year
2022–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K?
The Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is held on Friday, January 1, 2027, starting at 10:00 AM.
Where does the Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K take place?
It takes place in Coplay, Pennsylvania.
What distances does the Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 15K.
Is the Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 479 runners who have completed the Lehigh Valley New Year's Chaser: Half Marathon, 10K and 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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