St. Luke's D&L RaceFest - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

View the entire athletes’ guide here.

For any technical issues regarding the online registration process, please contact the registration platform, RaceRoster, through the “Contact” button at the top right corner of the registration page.

  • Do your races have age limitations?

    We have consulted with our Title Sponsor, St. Luke’s University Health Network to set the following age restrictions:

    • 18 and older for the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon
    • 14 and older for the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run and Walk, presented by St. Luke’s
    • 10 and older for the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay

    All participants under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian permission to register. Parents must complete the waiver on the registration form.

  • Can I get a refund or defer my 2023 registration to 2024?

    Sorry, we do not offer refunds or deferrals. If you think your ability to race on November 12th is uncertain, we suggest purchasing the offered RegShield insurance when you register, which will entitle you to a refund if you are not able to participate.

  • Will you close registration?

    We plan to close 2023 registration by November 5.

  • Is there a cut-off time for the marathon?

    Yes, there will be a 6.5 hour cut-off time. If you are falling behind the 6.5 hour pace, we will have a sag vehicle take you to the finish.

  • Is there a cut-off time for the half marathon?

    Yes, there will be a 4 hour and 30 minute cut-off time.

  • When is bib pickup?

    Participants will be able to pick up their bibs, November 11, 2023, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at St. Luke’s West End Medical Center, 501 Cetronia Rd, Allentown, PA 18104. Read more about the expo.

  • I cannot pick up my bib during the Expo on November 11. Can I pick it up on race day?

    We are requiring all racers to have their bibs picked up during the Expo. You may have a friend or relative pick up your bib for you if getting to the Expo on the 11th is a problem.

  • Can I have a friend or relative pick up my bib for me?

    Yes! One person can pick up multiple bibs for friends and family.

  • I’m not going to be able to run or walk the race. Can I give my bib to someone else?

    No. Bibs are assigned to specific racers who are entered in specific gender classes and age groups. Giving your bib to another racer can cause major problems in scoring, depriving deserving racers from winning awards or meeting place goals. Please do not give your bib to another racer. Racers participating with another person’s bib will be viewed as bandits. Their results will be removed and they will be banned from future St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest races for two years as will the registrant who provided the bib.

  • I was unable to train to complete the full marathon. Can I run the half marathon instead?

    Yes! When you pick up your bib, ask to switch races and you will be directed to a race official who can switch you to the half marathon. Please note that you will start the half marathon in Bethlehem, not Allentown.

  • I am registered as a half marathon runner but I’d prefer to walk the race. Can I switch my registration?

    Unfortunately, no. Our walking bibs and running bibs are marked differently. We also provide additional bibs that walkers pin to their backs. Extra walking bibs will not be available at the expo.

  • Do all members of a relay team need to pick up their bibs at the expo?

    No. The team leader is responsible for picking up all of their team’s bibs at the expo and distributing them to the team members.

  • I’m the team leader and cannot attend the expo. Can someone else pick up the bibs?

    Yes. Any one person can pick up the bibs for an entire relay team.

  • After the race, will there be a shuttle back to the start line from Easton?

    Yes, once participants have finished the race, there will be shuttles from Easton to Bethlehem and Easton to Allentown. Shuttles will leave every 30 minutes. We will have signage at the finish area to direct you to the shuttle loading area.

  • Before the race, will there be a shuttle from Easton to the startling lines?

    No, there will not be a shuttle from Easton to the starting lines before the race.

  • Will there be an option for participants to drop off bags?

    Yes. We will have a bag drop at both start lines.

  • Will there be bathrooms along the route?

    Yes, portalets every couple of miles.

  • Can I bring my dog to run/walk with me during the race?

    Sorry, no. Much of the trail area is too narrow for dogs to be alongside runners or walkers. For the safety of all participants, we do not allow dogs to participate with you on this course.

  • Can I bring a stroller with me during the race?

    No. The trail is too narrow in many spots to safely allow runners or walkers with strollers to participate in the races.

  • Will there be food available at the finish line?

    Yes! We will have packaged foods as well as a warm soup or chili with vegan options. We will announce the finish line menu as race day nears

  • Will there be medical care at the finish line?

    Yes. St. Luke’s will have a fully staffed medical tent at the finish line to attend to health needs and injuries. Additionally, St. Luke’s personnel will be stationed throughout the course and have immediate radio access to local EMS departments to cover emergency situations.

  • Do all members of a relay team need to pick up their bibs at the expo?

    No. The team leader is responsible for picking up all of their team’s bibs at the expo and distributing them to the team members.

  • I’m the team leader and cannot attend the expo. Can someone else pick up the bibs?

    Yes. Any one person can pick up the bibs for an entire relay team.

  • If one of our relay members gets sick or injured. Can we sub in an alternate?

    Yes, as long as the alternate meets the criteria for your relay category. Team captains must update their runners’ information in RaceRoster so we have accurate contact information to meet our medical and safety protocols.

  • Can we switch relay categories if we get different runners?

    No. Once you are entered in a category, it is your responsibility to find replacement runners that allow you to meet the requirements of the category.

  • We will have only three or four runners on race day. Can we still run the relay?

    Yes, as long as the combination of runners for each of the legs meet the criteria of each category. You will need to determine which runner or runners run multiple legs.

  • What is the surface of the D&L Trail

    Most of the D&L Trail is finely crushed gravel that is suitable for walking, running and bicycling. A couple miles are paved. It is between 6-12 feet wide in most sections. See a Google map of the course.

  • What is the elevation profile of the marathon?

    The marathon is a net-downhill course. There will be some very small hills in the early miles of the marathon. Otherwise, it will be either flat or a gentle 1 percent downhill most of the way. There is a small uphill grade around mile 18 for only about 200 meters.

  • What is the elevation profile of the half marathon?

    The half marathon is a net downhill course. You will have a steady downhill in the first half-mile, then the rest of the course will be mostly flat or a 1 percent downhill other than a slight uphill grade for about 200 meters at mile 7.

  • Will the marathon and half marathon courses be certified?

    Yes. Both courses will be USATF certified for qualification for the Boston Marathon and other races that require you to submit qualifying times.

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