If you’ve ever wanted to experience the Lehigh Valley in its full autumn glory, the St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest is the way to do it. The D&L Trail winds through wooded paths, river views, and historic towns that turn brilliant shades of gold and red in early November. It’s one of those courses where the scenery almost makes you forget you’re racing. Almost.
The 2025 RaceFest takes place Sunday, November 9, with registration open now at race.delawareandlehigh.org. It’s the third year for this growing event, hosted by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and St. Luke’s University Health Network.
Participants can choose from four races: the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon, Marathon Relay, Heritage Half Marathon Run, or Half Marathon Walk.
The marathon is a Boston qualifier, starting in downtown Allentown and following the D&L Trail to Easton. The USATF-certified half marathon starts in Bethlehem and finishes at Scott Park along the Delaware River.
Organizers are expecting a record 2,200 runners and walkers, topping last year’s 1,900. The field includes athletes from 31 states and five countries, from elite Kenyan runners to local first-timers testing their endurance.
Race day brings plenty of energy beyond the miles. Shyezee, runner-up on The Voice Season 26, will sing the national anthem in Bethlehem. Larry Holmes, Easton’s own boxing legend, will be at the finish line to cheer participants on. Roary the Leopard from Lafayette College and Della the Mule from the National Canal Museum will add a bit of fun to the festivities.
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Proceeds from the event support the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, which maintains and promotes the 165-mile D&L Trail and other heritage programs across the region.
Whether you’re chasing a personal record or soaking up the fall colors, this is one of the most beautiful and well-run races in Pennsylvania. Registration closes November 2 or when races fill up, so now’s the time to sign up.
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