The Bethlehem Running Festival Review

Communication from race was proactive and ample, but not overkill.
Packet pickup options were ample and runner-focused.
Overall amenities were above average.

1. Aardvark Sports Shop 3.8-Mile Trail Run (Friday) Rating: [_5_] 

A well-run trail race. Storms hit before the start, so the organizers moved the start up to 3:15 PM and brought in a tree-trimming crew to clear fallen trees. The course was well marked, and the volunteers were spaced well. The footing is rocky, so keep your eyes on the trail. The course drops about 300 feet over the first two miles, then climbs it all back by mile 3, so don’t go out too hard. Plan your logistics: I missed the last shuttle bus and ran to the start. The race is advertised at 3.8 miles, but my watch read about 3.5. Eat beforehand. I paid my own entry fee. 

2. Lexus 5K (Saturday, 7:30 AM) Rating: [_5_] 

A relaxed, well-organized 5K, with 504 finishers. It was windy and cold when I ran it, so dress for it. The ArtsQuest Building and SteelStacks Visitor Center were open before the start, so you could get out of the wind. There were enough restrooms, and they weren’t porta-johns. It’s also a good short race to run on its own or as the first leg of the Quadruple Play. I paid my own entry fee. 

3. Bethlehem 10K (Saturday, 9:00 AM) Rating: [_5_] 

The 10K starts about 90 minutes after the 5K, which works well if you’re doing both. You’ll be chilly if you stand around in sweaty clothes, so bring something dry to wear. The wind was still strong, and there were plenty of people to run with and chase. The festival’s start and finish area worked just as well for this race. I paid my own entry fee. 

4. Jefferson Health Half Marathon (Sunday, 8:00 AM) Rating: [_5_] 

I’d recommend this half. Logistics are strong: the course was well coned and patrolled, and crowd support was good. The start has indoor space, and the finish has volunteers, heat-shield blankets and refreshments. The course gains about 800 feet, with a long downhill after the high point around mile 8, and it had a 1:45 pacer. The weak spot is aid. The map shows four hydration stops, at roughly miles 2.5, 5, 7 and 10, and none after mile 10. Most tables put water first, and only the mile 10 table (Trip Tees Running) put electrolytes first. I didn’t see any nutrition handed out, so bring your own bottle and gels. I paid my own entry fee.