St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest returns to the Lehigh Valley for its third year this Sunday, Nov. 9, with organizers expecting a record 2,200 participants from around the world.
The event, hosted by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network, features four signature races: the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon, Marathon Relay, D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run, and D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk.
Runners in the Boston-qualifying 26.2-mile marathon will start in downtown Allentown, while half marathon participants begin in historic Bethlehem.
Both courses are USATF-certified and finish at Scott Park in Easton, with much of the route following the scenic D&L Trail alongside the Lehigh River.
“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.
This year’s event will welcome runners from 31 states and five countries, including professional athletes from Kenya, along with local and regional leaders.
Special guests include Bethlehem native Shyezee, runner-up from Season 26 of “The Voice,” who will perform the national anthem at the half marathon start. Boxing legend Larry Holmes will greet finishers at the Easton finish line and take photos with participants and community members.
Fans cheer participants in a half marathon along the D&L Trail on Nov. 4, 2018. The third annual St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest set for Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, features four races connecting Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton.Chris Shipley File Photo | For lehighvalleylive.com
Mascots Roary the Leopard from Lafayette College and Della the Mule from the National Canal Museum will also be present to cheer on participants and engage with families.
A post-race celebration in Scott Park will feature food, beverages, and entertainment.
Residents should be aware of road closures Sunday, including Route 611 South from the South Third Street bridge to East Nesquehoning Street (6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and Larry Holmes Drive from South Third Street to Northampton Street (4 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
The event serves as a major fundraiser for DLNHC, a nationally designated heritage area that works to preserve and celebrate the region’s heritage. Proceeds support heritage education programs and the ongoing development of the D&L Trail.
For more information, visit race.delawareandlehigh.org. Registration for the 2025 RaceFest closed Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com.
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