BETHLEHEM, Pa. — St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest is returning to the Lehigh Valley, offering participants a chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, partnering with St. Luke’s University Health Network, will hold the third annual St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest across the Lehigh Valley on Nov. 9.
Registration for the four signature events — the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon, the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay, the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run and the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk — runs until Nov. 2, or when field limits are reached.
The 26.2-mile marathon course serves as a Boston qualifier, and runs from downtown Allentown to Easton, with much of the path following the D&L Trail.
The 13.1-mile half marathon begins in historic Bethlehem and finishes at Scott Park in Easton.
Both courses are USA Track & Field-certified.
In 2024, more than 1,900 participants joined the event.
This year, organizers anticipate a record turnout of 2,200 registrants.
'Bigger and better than ever'
Organizers said that with a renewed focus on enhancing the race-day experience, this year’s event is shaping up to be “bigger and better than ever.”
This year’s race is expected to be a global and community-centered celebration, with runners from 31 states and five countries, including professional athletes from Kenya.
Local and regional leaders also will be in attendance.
"We’re excited to see this event grow year after year.”DLNHC Executive Director Tony Pierucci
Bethlehem native Shyezee, runner-up from season 26 of NBC-TV's "The Voice," will sing the National Anthem 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.
“St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest is more than a race — it’s a celebration of the Lehigh Valley’s spirit," DLNHC Executive Director Tony Pierucci said.
"With the D&L Trail serving as the connective thread that links our communities, our history and our shared love of the outdoors.
“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.”
Celebrating heritage
St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest serves as 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 trail.
St. Luke’s University Health Network served as the title sponsor for the event; Northampton County and Service Electric are premier sponsors; Faulkner Subaru is a gold sponsor; and B. Braun, Discover Lehigh Valley, Old Farmer Tea Company and Olympus as silver sponsors.
Aid Station sponsors include Klunk & Milan Advertising, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Michael Baker International, Provident Bank, ShopRite, The Waterfront and Wegmans.
