Lace up your running shoes for the St. Luke's Half Marathon and 5K, set to take over the scenic streets and parks of Allentown, PA, on April 26, 2026. This celebrated event, organized by the Lehigh Valley Road Runners, has a rich history dating back to 1977 and consistently draws thousands of participants from across the country. Runners can expect typical race day conditions to be ideal for a spring race, with highs around 68°F and lows around 45°F, and only a 16% chance of precipitation.

The Half Marathon course is renowned for being fast and generally flat, guiding runners through the picturesque Lehigh River Parkway, an area recognized by Runner's World magazine as one of the top 100 places to run in the nation. While the 2026 course will feature a detour due to construction on the historic Bogert Covered Bridge, it still promises a beautiful journey with gently rolling hills and moderate elevation changes, peaking at 340 feet and dipping to 250 feet. The 5K offers a flat and speedy route through Allentown's West End. Both races are treated to an exceptional atmosphere, featuring 10-13 live bands energizing runners along the course, and the half marathon culminates in an exciting stadium finish at J. Birney Crum Stadium.

Participants will find excellent support throughout their race. Half Marathoners will encounter aid stations every two miles, stocked with water and UCAN Hydrate, with energy gels available around mile nine. The 5K also includes a well-placed aid station that runners pass twice. Portable toilets and medical support are readily available on the course and at the finish line. Runners consistently praise the St. Luke's Half Marathon for its superb organization, friendly atmosphere, and unique touches like personalized race bibs and pacers for various finish times. All proceeds from this race directly benefit the Lehigh Valley Road Runners' initiatives, supporting scholarships, grants, and various community running programs.