Under a blazing July 18 sun, Runner's World Magazine and city officials announced plans for the first annual Half Marathon and Running Festival Oct. 18-20.

Last year's pioneer event was described as a huge success by Mayor John Callahan, who said the city benefitted from more than 6,500 participants viewing Bethlehem from its streets and enjoying a weekend of activities citywide.

The exact plans for this year's event haven't been revealed, but aside from the half marathon last year's events included 5-K, 10-K and kids runs, a running-themed festival at the SteelStacks campus, seminars and special events. Race Director Bart Yasso and event keynote speaker Dave McGillivray, longtime Boston Marathon race director, said they are excited for another great event weekend.

"To see the City of Bethlehem come alive with runners is such fun," Yasso said. He said he was ecstatic over the runners and their supporters who swelled the city's businesses last year and enjoyed walking its historic and neighborhood streets. "It just doesn't get any better."

McGillivray said he's happy to be working in an area so supportive of the runner's lifestyle.

Dave Willie, editor-in-chief of Runner's World Magazine and Bethlehem resident, said the festival weekend is about connecting with runners, doing races and getting out there and having fun.

"Last year as well as this year the city has been phenomenal to work with. This is our hometown and we want to build something that lasts in our hometown and something that builds healthy habits for a lifetime. We want to be sure we give back to the community."

Willie said runners from 47 states and seven countries were already registered to participate in the October race.