Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend
- Date Fri 24th April 2026 - Mon 25th May 2026
- Time 7:00PM EDT
- Location Louisville, Kentucky
- Races 8 races
- Distances Half Marathon, Marathon, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating weekend of running at the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend, taking place from April 24 to May 25, 2026, in the vibrant city of Louisville, Jefferson. This event marks the 53rd annual miniMarathon and the 25th annual Marathon, making it a historic celebration of endurance and community spirit. Runners will kick off the festivities with the Kentucky Derby Festival 5K on Friday evening, April 24, at 7 PM. This exciting addition allows participants to experience the thrill of racing while making their mark on the KDF Race Challenge—complete the 5K and then tackle either the mini or full marathon on Saturday for a chance to earn a coveted third medal!
As participants race through the scenic streets of Louisville, they will enjoy the unique opportunity to run through the infield of the iconic Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. The event promises a fantastic atmosphere as runners cross the finish line greeted by cheers from family and friends, followed by a lively post-race party. Whether you're joining us in person or opting for the virtual race, the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend is an unforgettable experience that celebrates health, happiness, and the joy of running!
As participants race through the scenic streets of Louisville, they will enjoy the unique opportunity to run through the infield of the iconic Churchill Downs, the legendary home of the Kentucky Derby. The event promises a fantastic atmosphere as runners cross the finish line greeted by cheers from family and friends, followed by a lively post-race party. Whether you're joining us in person or opting for the virtual race, the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend is an unforgettable experience that celebrates health, happiness, and the joy of running!
Organiser's Description
The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon & Marathon is a long-standing tradition held every spring in Kentucky. It has become the largest annual day of road racing in the state. As 2026 marks the 53rd annual miniMarathon and 25th annual Marathon, the Festival looks forward to another historic event. Participants will start at Louisville Slugger Field in downtown Louisville and run through numerous neighborhoods, experiencing all aspects of our wonderful city, including a run through the infield of historic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Then cross the finish line where they will be greeted by family and friends for our post-race party!
Back for 2026 is the Kentucky Derby Festival 5K presented by First Urology, taking place on Friday, April 24th at 7pm. This race, which debuted in 2025, is an exciting addition to the Race Weekend and also gives runners the opportunity to complete the KDF Race Challenge by completing the 5K on Friday, then either the mini or Marathon on Saturday for a 3rd medal!
Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in our virtual race, which will allow runners who cannot join us in Louisville to complete the mini or full marathon wherever is convenient for them.
Back for 2026 is the Kentucky Derby Festival 5K presented by First Urology, taking place on Friday, April 24th at 7pm. This race, which debuted in 2025, is an exciting addition to the Race Weekend and also gives runners the opportunity to complete the KDF Race Challenge by completing the 5K on Friday, then either the mini or Marathon on Saturday for a 3rd medal!
Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in our virtual race, which will allow runners who cannot join us in Louisville to complete the mini or full marathon wherever is convenient for them.
Races
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miniMarathon
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
-
Marathon
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
-
Marathon Relay
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
-
Kentucky Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology
Fri 24th April 2026 (7:00PM EDT)
-
Virtual miniMarathon
Incl. T-Shirt
The virtual miniMarathon is a great way for runners to participate in the annual Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon wherever, whenever and however is convenient for them. Submit your results anytime between April 25 and May 25 -
Virtual Marathon
Incl. T-Shirt
The virtual Marathon is a great way for runners to participate in the annual Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon wherever, whenever and however is convenient for them. Submit your results anytime between April 25 and May 25 -
KDF Race Challenge 5K & minMarathon
Incl. T-Shirt
2 Races 3 Medals! Accept the challenge and run the 5K presented by First Urology on Friday, April 24, then the miniMarathon on Saturday, April 25, to receive 3rd commemorative Challenge Medal -
KDF Race Challenge 5K & Marathon
Incl. T-Shirt
2 Races 3 Medals! Accept the challenge and run the 5K presented by First Urology on Friday, April 24, then the Marathon on Saturday, April 25, to receive 3rd commemorative Challenge Medal
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