The D&L Blog

St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest Returns for Its Third Year

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network, will host the third annual St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest across the Lehigh Valley, on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

D&L RaceFest features four signature events: 

• St. Luke’s D&L Marathon 
• St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay 
• D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run 
• D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk 

The 26.2-mile marathon course, a Boston qualifier, runs from downtown Allentown to Easton – much of it along the D&L Trail. The 13.1-mile half marathon begins in historic Bethlehem and finishes at Scott Park in Easton. Both courses are USATF-certified. 

Last year, more than 1,900 participants joined the event. Now in its third year, organizers anticipate a record turnout of 2,200 registrants. With a renewed focus on enhancing the race-day experience, D&L RaceFest 2025 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. 

This year’s event is expected to be a global and community-centered celebration, welcoming runners from 31 states and five countries, including professional athletes from Kenya. Local and regional leaders will also be in attendance. 

Attendees will enjoy a special performance of the national anthem by Bethlehem native Shyezee, runner-up from Season 26 of The Voice, at the half marathon start in Bethlehem. In Easton, boxing legend Larry Holmes will be at the finish line to take photos with finishers and the community. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Roary the Leopard from Lafayette College and Della the Mule from the National Canal Museum will cheer on participants and engage with families. 

Registration closes Nov. 2, or when field limits are reached. 

“St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest is more than a race — it’s a celebration of the Lehigh Valley’s spirit, with the D&L Trail serving as the connective thread that links our communities, our history and our shared love of the outdoors,” said DLNHC Executive Director Tony Pierucci. “Runners experience the rich history and natural beauty of the D&L Trail as it winds through the Lehigh Valley’s three core cities and the many local municipalities that give our region its unique character and energy. It’s a chance for locals to take pride in the incredible resource right in their backyard, and for visitors to discover the warmth and vitality of our region. We’re excited to see this event grow year after year.” 

St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest is a major fundraiser for DLNHC, a nationally-designated heritage area that works to preserve, interpret and celebrate the heritage of its five-county region. Proceeds support heritage education programs and the ongoing development and stewardship of the D&L Trail. 

DLNHC extends its sincere thanks to the generous sponsors supporting the third annual D&L RaceFest. 

• Title Sponsor: St. Luke’s University Health Network 
• Premier Sponsors: Northampton County and Service Electric 
• Gold Sponsor: Faulkner Subaru 
• Silver Sponsors: B. Braun, Discover Lehigh Valley, Old Farmer Tea Company and Olympus 
• Aid Station Sponsors: Klunk & Milan Advertising, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Michael Baker International, Provident Bank, ShopRite, The Waterfront and Wegmans 

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that preserves the historic pathway that once carried coal and iron from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol. Through key programs like the D&L Trail, St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest, the National Canal Museum and Get Your Tail on the Trail, DLNHC connects people to nature, culture, communities, recreation and industrial heritage. 

Click here for more information.