The D&L Blog

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is thrilled to announce our newest Heritage Half Marathon Run/Walk sponsor: clothing and outdoor retailer L.L.Bean! We are excited to have them as a presenting sponsor of our Signature Event on the D&L Trail.  Watch for details that will make you a “Bean Outsider” when you register for our 13.1 mile run and walk.

The event will be held 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. Runners and walkers will travel along the D&L Trail on a gently downward sloping course that is fast as well as easy on the joints. The race will start at Northern Lehigh High School in Slatington and finish at Canal Street Park in Northampton.

Participants will enjoy a race loaded with amenities including runner and walker awards, prizes, a post-race buffet, and more. Each registrant will receive an L.L.Bean-branded shirt. L.L.Bean staff and volunteers will be onsite at packet pickup and at the finish line with games, giveaways and more.

“As runners, we are incredibly fortunate to have the D&L Trail in our backyard. Whether you’re training for a marathon or out for a leisurely run or walk, the D&L is an ideal place to escape traffic and take in nature’s beauty and lots of fresh air,” said Michael Drabenstott, Heritage Half Marathon Committee Member and Chair of Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor board of directors.  “I’ve logged countless miles running and biking the D&L and seem to notice something different every time. By entering the D&L Half Marathon, you’re helping us maintain and expand a resource that’s used by thousands of people every day. We’re grateful for your support!”

Early registration is encouraged as the race is capped at 1,000 participants. Registration deadline is Oct. 30, 2018. Those completing the course in 4.5 hours will receive finisher’s medal. Half Marathon Run and Walk awards will be presented to the top three male and female overall finishers. Half Marathon Run/Walk Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in the following categories: age 14 to 29, age 30 to 39, age 40 to 49, age 50 to 59, and age 60 to 69+.

In making the announcement, Steve Johnson, Regional Fields Operations Manager for L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools, said, “LL.Bean is proud to partner with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Half Marathon Run/Walk. L.L. Bean’s mission to engage people to ‘#BeAnOutsider’ fits with the mission of the D&L to connect people with nature, community, and culture.”

“It’s a perfect fit for L.L.Bean and our customers to support a great organization like the D&L,” Johnson continued. “It’s a great opportunity for us to get outside and be part of something that helps so many people enjoy recreation outside.”

L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery Schools include a location at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township.

L.L.Bean was founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood (L.L.) Bean and transformed by his grandson Leon Gorman into a globally recognized outdoor brand. Headquartered in Freeport, Maine, L.L.Bean is a privately held, family-owned company.