The D&L Blog

More Than 2,000 Participants Expected at D&L RaceFest

More than 2,000 runners and walkers from 31 states and four countries are expected to participate in D&L RaceFest presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network on Sunday, Nov. 15, bringing visitors to communities across the Lehigh Valley while generating support for the 165-mile D&L Trail.

Now in its fourth year, RaceFest celebrates the 165-mile D&L Trail and the communities it connects, bringing participants together to experience the landscapes, downtowns, and stories that have shaped the Lehigh Valley and eastern Pennsylvania for generations.

The event’s signature race, the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon, is a USATF-certified point-to-point course (PA23003DT) and an official Boston Marathon qualifier that attracts runners from across the country seeking a fast, scenic course along the D&L Trail. Marathon participants will travel from Allentown through Historic Bethlehem before finishing in Downtown Easton at Scott Park.

Additional events include the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run, D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk, and St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay, offering participants of all experience levels the opportunity to be part of race weekend. Half marathon participants will follow a point-to-point course from Historic Bethlehem to Downtown Easton, while relay teams will share the marathon route from Allentown to Easton, experiencing firsthand the communities, landscapes, and history that make the D&L Trail unique.

“RaceFest is a celebration of the D&L Trail and the communities it connects,” said DLNHC Executive Director Tony Pierucci. “The trail is more than a recreation destination. It’s a living connection to the landscapes, downtowns, culture, and local experiences that define the Lehigh Valley.”

In addition to race events, participants are encouraged to explore the region through the D&L RaceFest Weekend Passport, which features special offers from 23 participating businesses across the Lehigh Valley. The passport includes museums and attractions, restaurants, retailers, and health and wellness businesses, encouraging participants and their supporters to explore local destinations throughout race weekend.

“We are thrilled to welcome our largest group of participants to D&L RaceFest, where you can support a great organization and enjoy one of the most unique marathon courses in our region,” said Race Director Kacey Lloyd. “It’s a beautiful course to run, walk, or watch, and we welcome everyone to come out and experience it for themselves.”

RaceFest supports Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC), the nonprofit organization that stewards the entire D&L Trail. Through its work along the trail, DLNHC strengthens connections between communities and the places, landscapes and histories that have shaped the region.

DLNHC is proud to partner with St. Luke’s University Health Network as presenting sponsor of RaceFest. Through its sponsorship and the medical services it provides throughout race weekend, St. Luke’s plays a vital role in creating a safe and welcoming experience for participants and spectators. DLNHC is also grateful for the many sponsors, community organizations, and volunteers whose support helps bring RaceFest to life.

For more information about D&L RaceFest, visit race.delawareandlehigh.org. Volunteers are still needed for race weekend; to sign up, visit Volunteer with Long Tail Productions via VolunteerLocal.