By Dan DiBella • DLNHC Communications Coordinator

Last year, I experienced my first D&L RaceFest… from behind a camera lens. If you participated in the 2025 race, you might have spotted me along the trail, camera in hand, capturing runners and walkers as they made their way toward Easton. Since joining DLNHC in April 2025, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of some pretty incredible experiences across Eastern Pennsylvania, but RaceFest stands out among them. 

Whether it was the pre-race jitters in the air, experiencing the scenic course firsthand, or feeling the energy at the finish line as participants celebrated reaching their goals, there was something special about the entire day.

This fall, you’ll have the chance to experience that RaceFest energy for yourself. On Sunday, November 15, 2026, D&L RaceFest presented by St. Luke’s returns to the Lehigh Valley, bringing runners, walkers, relay teams, volunteers, and spectators together for a day on the scenic and historic D&L Trail.

Now in its fourth year, D&L RaceFest is becoming much more than the Lehigh Valley’s marathon. Of course, the races are still at the heart of the weekend, but there’s more happening around them this year. With four different ways to take on the course, a new Weekend Passport to help you explore the Lehigh Valley, and new opportunities to challenge yourself, it’s becoming a weekend worth sticking around for.

Four Fantastic Races

Not sure which RaceFest event is right for you? Start by thinking about the kind of challenge you want to take on. Maybe 26.2 miles has been sitting on your bucket list for years. Maybe you like the idea of a marathon, but would rather share those miles with a few friends. Or maybe 13.1 feels like the right goal, whether you plan to run it or walk it. There’s no single way to experience RaceFest, so find the challenge that feels right for you.

St. Luke’s D&L Marathon – If 26.2 miles is calling your name, this is your chance to go for it. You’ll start in downtown Allentown, follow the D&L Trail through historic Bethlehem, and eventually make your way to the finish line in Easton. Along the way, you’ll experience all three of the Lehigh Valley’s major cities on a USATF-certified course that is also a Boston Marathon qualifier.

St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay – Like the idea of taking on a marathon, but not quite ready for 26.2 miles on your own? You don’t have to be. Get a few friends, family members, coworkers, or classmates together and share the miles as a team. With up to five runners and legs ranging from 3.4 to 7.1 miles, there’s room for different experience levels on the same team. And if a little friendly competition helps motivate you, gather your coworkers for the Corporate Challenge or put together a team with fellow students.

D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run – If 13.1 miles feels more like your kind of challenge, the Heritage Half takes you from historic downtown Bethlehem to Easton. After making your way to Sand Island, you’ll pick up the D&L Trail and follow the Lehigh River toward the finish line at Scott Park. With a gentle downhill grade and plenty of late-fall scenery along the way, it’s a great setting to work toward that 13.1-mile goal.

D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk – And yes, you can walk a half marathon! If running isn’t your thing, but finishing 13.1 miles sounds like a goal worth working toward, this category was made with you in mind. You’ll follow the same course and receive the same swag and amenities as the runners, but you can take on the challenge at a walking pace. Sometimes crossing that finish line isn’t about how fast you get there, but about getting there in the first place.

Not Sure You’re Ready? Start with a Plan

Thinking about taking on a marathon, but wondering if you’re really ready for 26.2 miles? You’re not alone. If you’re anything like me, just the thought of running a marathon, or even a half marathon, might make you tired. I’m more of a 5K runner myself, which is why the Marathon Relay sounds right up my alley. It gives runners like me a chance to experience the excitement of the full marathon without having to tackle all 26.2 miles on our own.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Our RaceFest Training Resources can help add some structure to your training and give you tools to build strength, endurance, and confidence as race day gets closer. Through our partnership with St. Luke’s, RaceFest participants also have access to the RUNstrong Race Prep performance program, designed to complement the miles you’re already putting in.

The important thing is choosing a challenge that works for you, giving yourself time to prepare, and enjoying the miles that get you there.

Make It a RaceFest Weekend

Race day might be the main event, but there’s no reason the fun has to start and end at the finish line. If you’re coming from out of town, or even if you call the Lehigh Valley home, make some time to explore while you’re here.

New for 2026, the D&L RaceFest Weekend Passport makes it easy to do just that. From November 13–15, RaceFest participants, spectators, friends, and families can use the passport to discover participating businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley offering special discounts, promotions, exclusive products, and other experiences.

Think of it as your guide for what to do between the race festivities. Grab a bite to eat, do a little shopping, or discover somewhere you haven’t visited before. Along the way, you’ll also be supporting the local businesses and communities that surround the D&L Trail and help make RaceFest Weekend possible.

Start exploring the D&L RaceFest Weekend Passport

Coming from out of town? We’ve also lined up hotel options for RaceFest participants, including room blocks and special rates to make planning your weekend a little easier. Take care of your accommodations early, get a good night’s sleep, and save your energy for the miles ahead.

Choose Your Race and Join Us

Four events, three cities, one D&L Trail, and plenty of ways to challenge yourself.

Maybe 26.2 miles has been sitting on your bucket list. Maybe you’ve been talking about putting together a relay team with friends or coworkers. Or maybe this is the year you decide to run or walk your first 13.1. Whatever that goal looks like for you, RaceFest gives you the chance to work toward it alongside hundreds of others who are chasing goals of their own.

And every mile means a little more when it supports the trail beneath your feet. Proceeds from D&L RaceFest benefit Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, helping support our programming and ongoing D&L Trail maintenance.

No matter which starting line you choose, we’ll be waiting for you at the finish. And if you spot me, or one of our other photographers, along the trail, don’t forget to smile for the camera!