St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest to return with record turnout expected

EASTON, Pa. — The 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, featuring four major race events and thousands of runners from around the world.

The festival on Sunday, Nov. 9 includes the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon, St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay, D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run and D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk. The 26.2-mile marathon — a Boston Marathon qualifier — begins in downtown Allentown and follows much of the D&L Trail to Easton. The 13.1-mile half marathon starts in Bethlehem and finishes at Scott Park in Easton. Both courses are USATF-certified.

More than 1,900 runners participated last year. Organizers expect roughly 2,200 registrants for this year’s event, marking the race’s largest turnout yet.

“This year is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting to date,” organizers said, noting increased race-day programming and expanded support along the course.

Participants from 31 states and five countries are expected to attend, including professional athletes from Kenya. Local officials and community leaders will also be present.

The half marathon start will feature a performance of the national anthem by Bethlehem native Shyezee, runner-up on Season 26 of “The Voice.” At the finish line in Easton, former heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes will greet runners and pose for photos. Mascots Roary the Leopard from Lafayette College and Della the Mule from the National Canal Museum will also attend to cheer on participants.

“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,” DLNHC Executive Director Tony Pierucci said. “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.”

The event serves as a major fundraiser for the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which works to preserve and interpret the region’s industrial and cultural history. Proceeds support the ongoing development of the D&L Trail and local educational programs.

The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic path that once transported coal and iron from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol. Its programs include the D&L Trail, the National Canal Museum and the Get Your Tail on the Trail health initiative.

More information is available at delawareandlehigh.org.