The American Lung Association Hosts Half Marathon in Wilmington 

Photo courtesy of the American Lung Association

Runners from across the country raise funds and awareness during the American Lung Association’s 8K & Virtual Half Marathon.

For 58 years, runners from around the country have flocked to Wilmington to raise money for and awareness about the American Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease.  

This year will be no different.  

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Senator Carper at finish line at 2017 race./Photo courtesy of the American Lung Association

Formerly known as the Caesar Rodney Half Marathon, this year’s ALA 8K & Virtual Half Marathon is the nation’s oldest half marathon. The 8K race caps at 200 participants and will be held in-person on Saturday, June 12 at Bellevue State Park.  

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This year’s location at Bellevue State Park allows runners to experience Wilmington’s picturesque views on a challenging course. A virtual option is available as well to help eliminate the spread of COVID-19. 

Not only will the proceeds benefit the ALA efforts to fight lung disease and cancer, but they will support the COVID-19 Action Initiative—a $25 million investment dedicated towards the protection against future respiratory virus pandemics.  

Senator Tom Carper, a 37-year ALA Half Marathon participant, is the honorary race chair alongside M&T Bank VP Delaware Region and Charitable and Community Involvement Manager April Birmingham. Birmingham will present the Matt Stehl Award, a tribute to M&T Bank’s Regional Charitable and Community Involvement Manager who worked to build nonprofits and allocate funds for 25 years before passing away in 2020. Stehl was a dedicated ALA participant who attended the 2019 race.  

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James Phelan from 2019 race—This year, M&T Bank and the American Lung Association will present the Matt Stehl Award to Lung Champion and Ohio resident James Phelan for his dedication to raising awareness and funds to help prevent lung disease./Photo courtesy of the American Lung Association

This award will be presented to James Phelan, an Ohio resident who is raising awareness and funds to prevent lung disease. Both his grandmother and mom passed away from lung disease, inspiring him to attend this event yearly and support the 129,866 Delaware residents living with lung disease.  

M&T Bank sponsors the Matt Stehl Award, along with additional sponsors including Renewal by Andersen, Dr. Anthony Vasile, ChristianaCare, Aloysius Butler & Clark and Mix 99.5 WJBR.  

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On race day, registration opens at 8 a.m., followed by the opening remarks, the award announcement and the top team fundraiser award presentations.  

Registration for the virtual marathon is $65, while the in-person race is $45. Both registrations close at midnight on June 11, and participants can sign up at alahalf.com 

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