2026 Bethlehem Running Festival

2026 Registration Opens Friday 10/24 at 7 AM!

"Bethlehem should be on every runner's bucket list!"

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of running in an historic town filled with quaint shops and delicious restaurants, all during peak fall foliage!

Register for Lowest Price

REGISTER BETWEEN 10/24 and 10/31 and GET THE LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE!

Race Events

• Aardvark Sports Shop 3.8 Mile Trail Run: Friday 10/16 @ 4:30 pm. This 3.8 Mile Trail Run will be an adventure for beginners and seasoned trail runners alike!
• The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Kids Run: Friday 10/16 @ 5:30 pm now at ArtsQuest! Runners 5 and under will run 1/4 mile, runners 6-8 will run 1/2 mile, and runners 9-12 will run 1 mile. All kids will receive a custom BRF Bib and unique BRF medal!
• The Lexus 5K/10K: Saturday 10/17 @ 7:30 am (5K) & 9:00 am (10K). The races will run over the Fahy Bridge and through the historic streets of Bethlehem.
• Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute Half Marathon: Sunday 10/18 @ 8:00 am. This 13.1-mile journey showcases the city’s charming streets, scenic parks, and vibrant community spirit.

Challenges & Discounts

Teams of 3 will compete in the B. Braun Half Marathon Relay and Corporate Challenge on Sunday 10/18. The top 3 M/F/co-ed teams will win awards.

• Triple Play: Run Saturday's 5K & 10K and Sunday's Half Marathon for a discount and receive a limited-edition medal holder.
• Quadruple Play Marathon Challenge: Complete all four races to finish a full marathon over three days and earn a medal holder.

Swag!

All runners will receive:

• Unique T-shirt: A unique Bethlehem Running Festival long sleeve technical T-shirt.
• Finisher's Medal: An artist-designed finisher's medal unique to each event.
• Professional Photographs: FREE Downloadable professional photographs with bib-tags.
• Customized Race Bib: Register by 10/1 for a customized race bib.

Deferrals

All 2025 deferrals are activated when registration opens. If you deferred from 2025, you are automatically entered in the same event for 2026.

Lexus VIP Experience

Take the stress out of the early morning routine with private restrooms, gear check, continental breakfast items, and more before and after your big moment.

• VIP Packet Pick-up: Area at expo.
• Dedicated Free VIP Parking: Available for participants.
• VIP Room: Indoor room with refreshments near start/finish line.
• Reserved Restrooms: Indoor VIP restrooms.

Awards

Top 3 Overall M/F in various races including the Trail Race, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Relay.

• Top 3 Overall Masters: (40+) in the half marathon.
• Age Groups: Top 3 M/F for age groups: 19&U, 20-29, 30-39...
• New for 2025: Top 3 Overall M/F for the Triple and Quadruple Plays.

Course Maps

Courses are at the bottom of this page! Note: Courses, particularly the trail course, are subject to change.

Time Limits

Our courses run directly through the streets of Bethlehem, which cannot remain closed beyond our allotted times.

• 5K: 1:00
• 10K: 1:45
• Half Marathon: 3:30
• 3.8 Mile Trail Race: 1:30

American Cancer Society Partnership

A portion of your registration fees and 100% of any donations will benefit The American Cancer Society. We encourage all runners and their families to join the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk after the 10K on Saturday at noon.

Event Details

Date: 2026-10-16

Location: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA

For more information, visit our official page.