Over 739 runners and 136 walkers were preparing to register by 7 a.m. to conquer the fifth Delaware & Lehigh Heritage half marathon the morning daylight saving time ended. The autumn foliage along the canal created a scenic backdrop for the 13.1-mile race. The home of the Bulldogs, Northern Lehigh High School in Slatington, marked the start of the half marathon. The gym served as a registration station and breakfast warm-up for the early athletes.

Volunteer media coordinator Laura Eppler used the traditional conch shell to sound the start of the race at 8 a.m. "The shell was used on docks to signal the return of ships," she told the racers."This marathon is unique in that it welcomes walkers as well as runners," she said. The flat, even course took participants along the Slate Heritage Trail connecting with the D&L trail, ending at Canal Street Park in Northampton. The Hungarian Hall on Stewart Street welcomed the runners, walkers and spectators for a post-race party complete with hot coffee and cold beer.The half marathon collected close to $30,000 for trail upkeep and expansion, according to D&L Trail President/Executive Director Elissa Garofalo."People as far as Washington state to down the street came today," she said. "It's the biggest one yet. It's 150 more from last year." Garofalo said.Under new race director Ed Eppler's watch a few improvements were made to this year's race including using the gym for indoor stations. The direction of the course was reversed compared with the previous races to provide a downhill slope and less wind. Hydration stations were set up along the track along with pacers and time trackers from Pretzel City Sports.According to the registration, over 55 percent of racers were local. Athletes varied in ages from 13 to over 60. Betty Olmstead, 69, completed her 10th half marathon when she crossed the finish line Sunday. Awards for youngest and oldest runners and walkers were handed out at the Hungarian Hall.PPL, Mauch Chunk Trust Company, Uline and Blue Mountain Resort along with St. Luke's Health Network helped sponsor the event. St. Luke's University Health Network partnered with Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage to start the program "Get Your Tail on the Trail," where Sunday's race could be added to participants' mile count on the website.