{"id":26961,"date":"2025-11-06T19:34:39","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T19:34:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/26961\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T19:34:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T19:34:39","slug":"dl-trail-marathon-2025-st-lukes-racefest-connects-the-lehigh-valleys-cities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/26961\/","title":{"rendered":"D&L Trail marathon 2025: St. Luke\u2019s RaceFest connects the Lehigh Valley\u2019s cities"},"content":{"rendered":"

St. Luke\u2019s D&L RaceFest<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

The event, hosted by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in partnership with St. Luke\u2019s University Health Network, features four signature races: the St. Luke\u2019s D&L Marathon, Marathon Relay, D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run, and D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk.<\/p>\n

Runners in the Boston-qualifying<\/a> 26.2-mile marathon will start in downtown Allentown, while half marathon participants begin in historic Bethlehem.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cSt. Luke\u2019s D&L RaceFest is more than a race \u2014 it\u2019s a celebration of the Lehigh Valley\u2019s spirit, with the D&L Trail serving as the connective thread that links our communities, our history, and our shared love of the outdoors,\u201d said DLNHC Executive Director Tony Pierucci.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s event will welcome runners from 31 states and five countries, including professional athletes from Kenya, along with local and regional leaders.<\/p>\n

Special guests include Bethlehem native Shyezee<\/a>, runner-up from Season 26 of \u201cThe Voice,\u201d who will perform the national anthem at the half marathon start. Boxing legend Larry Holmes<\/a> will greet finishers at the Easton finish line and take photos with participants and community members.<\/p>\n

\"D&LFans 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<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

A post-race celebration in Scott Park will feature food, beverages, and entertainment.<\/p>\n

Residents should be aware of road closures Sunday<\/a>, 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.).<\/p>\n

The event serves as a major fundraiser for DLNHC, a nationally designated heritage area that works to preserve and celebrate the region\u2019s heritage. Proceeds support heritage education programs and the ongoing development of the D&L Trail.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit race.delawareandlehigh.org<\/a>. Registration for the 2025 RaceFest closed Tuesday, Nov. 4<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement<\/a> and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and\/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n