2026 Bethlehem Running Festival presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network

2026 Registration Information

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!

Registration Promotion

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

Events Overview

• 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.
• The Lexus 5K/10K: Saturday 10/17 @ 7:30 am (5K) & 9:00 am (10K). The 5K and 10K will run over the Fahy Bridge and through the historic streets of Bethlehem, starting and finishing in front of the iconic Steel Stacks.
• Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute Half Marathon: Sunday 10/18 @ 8:00 am. This 13.1-mile journey weaves through the heart of historic Bethlehem, showcasing the city's charming streets, scenic parks, and vibrant community spirit.

Relay and Challenges

• B. Braun Half Marathon Relay and Corporate Challenge: Sunday 10/18 @ 8:00 am. Teams of 3 will run segments of 5 miles, 5 miles, and 5K.
• Triple Play: Run Saturday's 5K & 10K and Sunday's Half Marathon for a discount on each race and a special medal holder!
• Quadruple Play Marathon Challenge: Run all four races to complete a full marathon (26.2 miles) over three days!

Swag and Amenities

All runners will receive:

• Unique long sleeve technical T-shirt: Specific to the Bethlehem Running Festival.
• Artist-designed finisher's medal: Unique to each event.
• FREE Downloadable professional photographs: With bib-tags.
• Customized Race Bib: Register by 10/1.

Deferrals

2025 Deferrals: All 2025 deferrals are activated when registration opens. If you deferred from 2025, you are automatically entered in the same event for 2026. You do not need to do anything else to register 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. Offering exclusive access to perks and conveniences, this registration add-on includes:

• VIP packet pick-up area: At the expo.
• Dedicated free VIP parking:
• Indoor VIP room: With refreshments right next to the start/finish line.
• Reserved indoor VIP restrooms:

Awards

Top awards include:

• Top 3 Overall M/F: In the Trail Race, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Relay (with co-ed), Triple Play, and Quadruple Play.
• Top 3 Overall Masters: (40+) in the half marathon.
• Age Group Awards: Top 3 M/F in various age brackets.

Course Maps

Courses are at the bottom of this page! *Courses--particularly the trail course are subject to change.

Time Limits

5K: 1:00, 10K: 1:45, Half marathon: 3:30, 3.8 mile Trail race: 1:30. Our courses run directly through the streets of Bethlehem and cannot remain closed longer than the allotted times.

Charity Partnership

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

Event Details

Join us on October 16, 2026, at 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA.

For more information and to register, visit Bethlehem Running Festival.