Marathon races near Doylestown

The D&L RaceFest, presented by St. Luke’s, is a November race weekend in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. It is built around four events on and near the D&L Trail: the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon, the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay, the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run, and the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk. The marathon covers 26.2 miles between Allentown and downtown Easton, with most of its miles on the D&L Trail, Pennsylvania’s longest multi-use trail. The routes offer runners, relay teams, and walkers a late-fall point-to-point race on a softer, joint-friendly surface. The event continues the November tradition of the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run and Walk, while also using sections of the former St. Luke’s Via Marathon and Marathon Relay. Proceeds benefit the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Inc., a 501(c)3, supporting heritage and environmental programs, plus development and promotion of the D&L Trail. Free downloadable race photos are included through the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and St. Luke’s University Health Network.

Philadelphia Marathon Weekend takes place over three days in November, focusing on the TIAA Philadelphia Marathon held in Philadelphia. Over 30,000 athletes participate throughout the weekend, with the marathon itself drawing 20,000 runners. The courses are USATF certified, and the marathon serves as a Boston qualifier. The route guides runners past Philadelphia landmarks, through city neighborhoods, and along the city’s waterfronts. It attracts dedicated marathoners aiming for qualifying times, local participants, first-time runners, and their accompanying families. The event is frequently ranked among the top U.S. marathons, and demand is high enough that additional marathon slots were made available after waitlists were filled.