2026 Jefferson Bethlehem Running Festival

This page is also on our festival website: runbethlehem.com/faq. Questions? Email info@runegades.com.

5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Double, Triple & Quadruple Play. Trail, Kids Run, Relay, and VIP runners: start here, then check your own section below.

The Tough Questions

I got hurt (or my kid is graduating, or I didn’t train enough…). Can I get a refund or a deferral?

We don’t offer refunds, but we do have a no-questions-asked $15 deferral to next year. This RunSignup guide walks you through deferring.

Can I switch or add races?

Yes! Follow these instructions to transfer to, or add, another event.

What’s your weather policy?

We run rain or shine. In extreme weather, the race directors will decide whether events are modified, delayed, or canceled.

Do multi-race runners get anything special?

Yes! Triple Play (5K + 10K + Half, 22.4 miles) and Quadruple Play (Trail + 5K + 10K + Half, 26.2 miles) finishers earn our exclusive multi-race medal hanger to show off all that bling. Saturday Double Play runners (5K + 10K) take home two medals in one morning.

Is there day-of registration?

Yes — same-day registration and day-of packet pickup are in front of ArtsQuest (across from the SteelStacks): Saturday 6–9 AM and Sunday 6–8 AM.

Can I volunteer?

We’d love that! See the Volunteer FAQ for open roles and how to sign up.

Bathrooms, Bag Drop & Other Pre-Race Stuff

Where do I park?

See the parking map and Saturday lot-closure details below. Saturday runners, please read them — the lots close during the 5K and 10K starts.

Where are the bathrooms?

Two indoor options near the start/finish: the Visitor Center (to the left of the Levitt stage, past the Mack Truck) and inside ArtsQuest. Pro tip: the Visitor Center line is usually shorter. Porta-potties along each course are marked on the course maps.

Is there a bag drop?

Yes, and it’s free — right next to ArtsQuest, between ArtsQuest and the PBS building. Drop off up to an hour before your race and pick up by 11:30 AM Saturday or noon Sunday. Please use a clear plastic bag labeled with your name and leave valuables at home; we can’t guarantee the security of anything left with us. Unclaimed bags are held for two weeks, then donated or discarded.

Packet Pickup & the Expo

Where and when is packet pickup?

• Friday, Oct 16, 12–7 PM: Packet Pickup & Vendor Expo at ArtsQuest, 101 Founders Way.
• Saturday, Oct 17, 10 AM–2 PM: Bib pickup outside ArtsQuest (no expo) for Half Marathon and Relay runners.
• Race morning: only if you added day-of packet pickup (see below).
• Trail runners: see the Trail Run FAQ.

More on the Expo →

Can someone else pick up my packet?

Yes — they just need a photo of your ID. (And you can pick up a friend’s packet with a photo of theirs.)

Can I pick up my packet the morning of my race?

Only if you added day-of packet pickup ($10) to your registration. Here’s how to add it. Day-of pickup is in front of ArtsQuest, Saturday 6–9 AM and Sunday 6–8 AM.

Wait — you CHARGE $10 for day-of pickup?!

We honestly don’t want to. But we can’t hand out 1,000+ bibs in the half hour before a start, so we have to nudge you somehow. We’d much rather see you at the expo — or have a friend grab your packet!

I can’t remember if I added day-of pickup. Can you check?

You can check it yourself with these instructions. Still stuck? Email info@runegades.com.

I paid for day-of pickup but can make the expo after all. Can I pick up there?

Yes! Your packet will be at the expo. (The $10 isn’t refundable, though.)

Who’ll be at the expo?

Tables from our sponsors, the Bethlehem Running Festival store, and an Aardvark Sports Shop store.

Race Day

Are there starting corrals?

Yes. Line up behind the flag for your expected pace (5K/10K) or finish time (Half). Each race starts in three waves about 90 seconds apart. Races are chip-timed, so your clock doesn’t start until you cross the start mat.

Where do I find my results?

Results post live on Second Wind Timing as you finish. Your bib has a QR code — scan it with your phone for your results right away.

Will there be race photos?

Yes — free, downloadable professional photos, tagged to your bib number.

Can I see the course maps?

Yes — all course maps are here.

Are the courses certified?

Yes. The 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon are all professionally measured and USATF-certified.

What’s the course surface like?

• Trail Run: dirt, rocks, roots, ups and downs (and fun, laughter, and maybe tears). Trail shoes recommended.
• Kids Run: First Street outside ArtsQuest. Road shoes.
• 5K, 10K & Half: Bethlehem’s paved streets. Road shoes strongly recommended.

Are there time limits?

Yes. Our courses run on city streets that can only stay closed so long. Runners who haven’t finished within the limit may be asked to shorten the course or be picked up by runner transport.

• 5K: 1:00
• 10K: 1:45
• Half Marathon: 3:30
• Trail Run: finish line closes at 6:15 PM

Where are the water stations?

Stations serve water and, where noted, Tailwind electrolyte drink (water tables come first, Tailwind second).

• 5K: City Hall / Payrow Plaza (water).
• 10K: City Hall / Payrow Plaza (water) and Center & N. New Streets (water + Tailwind).
• Half Marathon: Westside Park (13th Ave & Budd Ave); Illick’s Mill Rd & Rosewood Dr; Main St & Moreland Ave (you’ll pass this one twice); and the bottom of Main St near the festival grounds — all water + Tailwind.
• Relay: each exchange has water and snacks for finishing runners.

Is there runner tracking?

Not for this race — but results post live as runners finish (see above).

Are there pacers?

Yes, for the Half Marathon: 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:30 & 2:45.

Where is medical help?

The medical tent is right at the finish line, and medical and safety staff are stationed along every course.

Can I run with my dog/cat/alligator/cockatoo?

We love our furry, feathered, and scaly friends, but for safety (and insurance) reasons no pets are allowed on course or in the start/finish area. Fido, Fluffy, and Chairman Meow will have to cheer from home. Service animals are welcome.

Can I wear headphones?

Discouraged but allowed. Keep the volume low enough to hear other runners, police officers, and course marshals.

Are strollers allowed?

Yes — running strollers are welcome on every course except the Trail Run. Please be mindful of others and avoid pushing through crowded packs.

How big are the fields?

We’re expecting about 800 runners in the 5K and 750 in the 10K, plus a big crowd for Sunday’s Half Marathon and Relay.

The After-Party & Awards

What’s happening after the races?

• Saturday & Sunday: finish-line party on the Levitt Lawn with DJ Jamaal, plus food and drink at ArtsQuest.
• Saturday at noon: the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk kicks off at SteelStacks — come support our charity partner!
• Saturday, noon–4 PM: the SouthSide Arts District’s ChiliFest on 3rd and 4th Streets, a short walk from ArtsQuest. Tickets and info.

What are the award categories?

• Top 3 male & female overall: Trail, 5K, 10K, Half, Relay (including co-ed), Triple Play & Quadruple Play.
• Top 3 Masters (40+): Half Marathon.
• Top 3 male & female by age group (5K, 10K, Half): 19 & under, 20–24, 25–29, and so on in 5-year groups through 75–79, then 80+. The 5K splits youth into 9 & under, 10–12, 13–15 & 16–19.
• Trail Run age groups: 19 & under, 20–29, 30–39 … 70–79, 80+.

When and where are the awards ceremonies?

• Trail Run: Friday, about 5:30 PM near the trail finish
• Kids Run: Friday, 6:30 PM at the start/finish outside ArtsQuest
• 5K: Saturday, 8:15 AM on the Levitt Lawn
• 10K: Saturday, 10:30 AM on the Levitt Lawn
• Half Marathon & Relay: Sunday, 10:30 AM on the Levitt Lawn

Can I pick up my award before the ceremony?

Yes. Check your result at the official results display. If you won an overall or masters award or placed top 3 in your age group, pick it up at the awards table in front of the Levitt stage. Awards are not mailed.

Where can I buy festival gear?

At the expo Friday and outside ArtsQuest Saturday and Sunday — or order from the online store before the festival and pick it up on-site.

Is there a lost and found?

Yes, at the bib pickup table in the expo area. Items are held for two weeks, then donated where possible. Lost something? Email info@runegades.com.

New for 2026

What’s Run Club Row?

A dedicated stretch of the start/finish festival grounds for Lehigh Valley run clubs and visiting clubs. Tent space is free for any club that registers 10+ participants across the weekend. Email info@runegades.com to reserve your spot.

What’s changing with Jefferson?

Starting in 2026, Jefferson is the festival’s title sponsor — it’s now the Jefferson Bethlehem Running Festival — and Jefferson Health sponsors the Half Marathon. The race weekend, courses, and Bethlehem hometown spirit stay the same.

Parking

Free parking is in Lots 1 and 2. The VIP, accessible & survivor lot requires a pass. The Polk Street Garage costs $10 but is the easiest in and out — 3rd Street stays open during all races.

Saturday lot closures — please read!

• 7:30–7:50 AM (5K start): roads into Free Lots 1, 2, and the VIP lot are closed.
• 9:00–9:30 AM (10K start): if you’re parked in Free Lots 1, 2, or the VIP lot, you cannot exit.
• 10K-only runners arriving after 7:50 AM: enter on Founders Way and turn right on 2nd Street into Free Lot 1. Arriving between 7:30 and 7:50? Find free, legal street parking south of 3rd Street (4th Street), or use the Polk Street Garage at 413 E. 3rd Street ($10).

These closures apply Saturday only.

Where is each lot?

• Free Lot 1: the big lot accessible from 2nd Street (enter ArtsQuest on Founders Way, right on 2nd Street).
• Free Lot 2: enter on 2nd Street, at the west end of the campus.
• VIP, accessible & survivor lot: on 2nd Street; pass required.
• Friday Trail Run shuttle lot: behind PBS, near Founders Way & 3rd Street (map pin).
• Polk Street Garage: 413 E. 3rd Street, $10.

Where do I park on Friday?

Expo, Kids Run, and Trail Run folks can park in Free Lot 1 or the VIP lot (no pass needed Friday). Trail runners catch the shuttle from the lot behind PBS — see the Trail Run FAQ.