The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor preserves, interprets, and leverages the nationally significant history of the over 165-mile transportation route that transported anthracite coal, iron, and other products between Wilkes-Barre and Bristol, Pennsylvania. By building and maintaining public and private partnerships, we create four vital connections. We connect people to the enduring industrial heritage of the Corridor through education and preservation of historic sites and cultural resources.
We connect people to health and wellness through outdoor recreation by reclaiming the historic transportation route as the D&L Trail.
We connect towns and cities to opportunities for economic development along the D&L Trail and Corridor.
We connect people to nature and the environment through conservation and education.
By participating in St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest you are directly supporting our mission as we continue the legacy of inspiring connections to the region’s nationally significant heritage.
Here’s a quote from our Executive Director, Claire Sadler on why it was so important for our organization to bring this race back after Via retired as the non-profit host in 2020.
“The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor has hosted the D&L Heritage Half Marathon since 2011.When community members approached us about taking over for Via to host a marathon through the three Lehigh Valley cities, it made perfect sense. Our headquarters are in the Lehigh Valley, much of the race route was along the D&L Trail, and we could continue our tradition of hosting the D&L Heritage Half Marathon run and walk as a part of RaceFest.
One of the best things about the D&L Trail is that it is a multi-use trail that is welcoming to all. With that in mind, our goal for the race is to ensure all feel welcome to join us on the D&L Trail as we celebrate this incredible community resource that connects us to our industrial heritage, provides health and wellness opportunities, continues local economic development, and connects us all to nature and the environment.”
You can continue to make it possible to deliver our mine-to-market story to residents and visitors and help us fully connect over 165 miles of the D&L Trail, making it Pennsylvania’s longest multi-use trail. For more information about our wide range of work in the 5-county corridor, please visit www.delawareandlehigh.org.
Inspired by our mission? Donate today with the comfort of knowing that every dollar donated will go right back into maintaining the trails, celebrating history and delivering programs you love.