Run, walk, or relay your way along the scenic D&L Trail, Pennsylvania’s longest multi‑use trail.
This race is perfect whether you’re chasing a PR, taking on your first race, or returning to an annual tradition. D&L RaceFest is a one‑of‑a‑kind experience in Lehigh Valley, from Allentown and Bethlehem all the way to Easton.
Sunday, November 15, 2026
The full event schedule is coming soon. Check back here for a RaceFest weekend schedule including race expo hours, packet pickup information, pre-race events, race start times, course logistics, and transportation details.
Start Time: 7:30am
Location: Downtown Allentown
The D&L Marathon presented by St. Luke’s is a point-to-point course that is USATF-certified (PA23003DT) and a Boston qualifier. Runners love the course because it is flat or has a gentle downhill grade, is shady, and doesn’t feature a lot of turns.
Start Time: 7:30am
Location: Downtown Allentown
A team of up to five runners will cover the 26.2 marathon distance and compete with other teams in one of 12 different categories:
Relay captains must be 18 or older, and relay participants must be 10 or older. Relay lengths vary, so each athlete is given the opportunity to tackle a leg that best fits with their ability and endurance. Leg lengths vary from 3.4 to 7.1 miles.
Start Time: 7:30am
Location: Downtown Bethlehem
The point-to-point, USATF-certified (PA23005DT) half-marathon course starts on Main Street in historic downtown Bethlehem and heads south to Sand Island. Most of the course follows the Lehigh River and has a very gentle downhill grade.
Start Time: 7:30am
Location: Downtown Bethlehem
The D&L Heritage Half Walk follows the same course as the half run but welcomes walkers and allows 4.5 hours to complete it. You must be 14 years of age or older to participate, and anyone under 18 years must have a parent or guardian's permission.
The event includes a Marathon, a Marathon Relay, a Heritage Half Marathon Run, and a Heritage Half Marathon Walk.
Yes. The marathon has a 6.5-hour cut-off, and the half-marathon has a 4-hour-and-30-minute cut-off. Participants who fall behind the marathon pace will be picked up and taken to the finish line.
Bibs are distributed at the Race Expo. If you can't attend, a friend or family member can pick it up for you, or you can register for race-day pickup for an additional fee.
Most of the D&L Trail is finely crushed gravel, suitable for walking, running, and biking, and ranges from 6 to 12 feet wide. Both the marathon and half-marathon are net-downhill courses that are mostly flat or gently sloping, with only minor uphill sections. The marathon course veers onto Little Lehigh Parkway, which was once named one of the top 100 places to run in the country by Runner’s World.
Yes, both courses are USATF certified and qualify for the Boston Marathon and other races that require submitted qualifying times.
After the race, shuttles run from Easton back to Bethlehem and Allentown every 30 minutes. Bag drop is available at both start lines, and portable restrooms are placed every couple of miles along the course.
No, dogs and strollers are both prohibited, as many sections of the trail are too narrow to safely accommodate them alongside runners and walkers.
Still have questions? Check out the D&L RaceFest FAQ page.
Make a weekend out of your trip to Lehigh Valley for the D&L RaceFest. Book a comfortable hotel to ensure a good night’s sleep before and after the race. Load up on carbs to get energized at delicious restaurants. Finally, check out the local shops to get a souvenir to commemorate a successful race weekend.
