(Easton, October 25, 2024) Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) will be hosting the second annual St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest on November 10, 2024. St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest is a four-race event that showcases the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton with most of the race miles on the beautiful D&L Trail. This year’s race is expected to see a 34% increase in participation, with registrants traveling from 23 states and four countries – including Ireland and Honduras — to either run, walk, or relay to the finish line.

The four signature races that comprise RaceFest are the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon – “The Lehigh Valley’s marathon”, the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay, the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run and the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk, presented by St. Luke’s. The 26.2-mile marathon course – a Boston qualifier — travels from downtown Allentown to Easton and the 13.1-mile half marathon course starts in Historic Bethlehem and ends at the same finish line in Easton next to Scott Park. Both courses are USA Track and Field-certified.

“This group of races highlights so many aspects of Lehigh Valley’s vibrant communities: city downtowns, small boroughs, scenic waterways, historic canal locks, multi-use trails, and the exceptional enthusiasm of local volunteers,” said Claire Sadler, executive director of DLNHC. “Over 50% of respondents gave the inaugural event in 2023 a 10 out of 10. Our team is excited to help more people enjoy the special RaceFest experience in 2024 and beyond as the event grows.”

Registration for the event closes on November 3, or when individual race caps have been reached. Learn more about the event at race.delawareandlehigh.org.

St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest is a major fundraiser for DLNHC, a nationally designated heritage area that works to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the heritage of its five-county region. Proceeds from the event go toward heritage education programs and the ongoing development and stewardship of the D&L Trail and its connection through the Lehigh Valley.

DLNHC thanks its title sponsor, St. Luke’s University Health Network, along with premier sponsors, Northampton County and Service Electric, and silver sponsors, Mariner Wealth Advisors, B Braun, Lehigh County, the Renaissance Hotel, Discover Lehigh Valley, Metz Culinary Management, and Provident Bank, and numerous water station sponsors and volunteers.

 

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that preserves the historic pathway that carried coal and iron from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol. Through key programs like the D&L Trail, St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest, National Canal Museum, and Get Your Tail on the Trail, DLNHC connects people to nature, culture, communities, recreation, and our industrial heritage. For more information, visit delawareandlehigh.org.

Information provided to TVL by:
Gianna Caruso | Communications Coordinator
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc.
delawareandlehigh.org | canals.org

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