Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend
- Date Fri 24th April 2026 - Mon 25th May 2026
- Time 7:00PM EDT
- Location Louisville, Kentucky
- Price $49.40 - $350.25
- Races 8 races
- Distances Marathon, 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating weekend at the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend, taking place from April 24 to April 25, 2026, in the vibrant city of Louisville, Jefferson. This annual celebration kicks off with the exciting Kentucky Derby Festival 5K on Friday evening, April 24th, at 7 PM, where runners can enjoy a spirited atmosphere and earn an exclusive medal.
The festivities continue on Saturday with the renowned GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon, marking the 53rd and 25th anniversaries respectively. Runners will experience the charm of Louisville as they weave through diverse neighborhoods and even run through the iconic infield of Churchill Downs, the historic home of the Kentucky Derby. After crossing the finish line, participants can look forward to a lively post-race party, complete with cheers from friends and family. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and soak in the community spirit of Kentucky's largest annual road racing event! Whether you're joining in person or opting for the virtual race, there’s something for everyone at this unforgettable weekend.
The festivities continue on Saturday with the renowned GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon, marking the 53rd and 25th anniversaries respectively. Runners will experience the charm of Louisville as they weave through diverse neighborhoods and even run through the iconic infield of Churchill Downs, the historic home of the Kentucky Derby. After crossing the finish line, participants can look forward to a lively post-race party, complete with cheers from friends and family. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to challenge yourself and soak in the community spirit of Kentucky's largest annual road racing event! Whether you're joining in person or opting for the virtual race, there’s something for everyone at this unforgettable weekend.
Organiser's Description
The GE Appliances 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
-
GE Appliances miniMarathon
Incl. $4.75 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
$54.75
OPENS 04 JUN -
GE Appliances Marathon
Incl. $5.95 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
$65.95
OPENS 04 JUN -
GE Appliances Marathon Relay
Incl. $25.25 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (7:00AM EDT)
$350.25
OPENS 04 JUN -
Kentucky Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology
Incl. $4.40 Fee
Fri 24th April 2026 (7:00PM EDT)
$49.40
OPENS 04 JUN -
GE Appliances Virtual miniMarathon
Incl. $4.75 Fee & T-Shirt
$54.75
OPENS 04 JUNThe 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 26th and May 26th -
GE Appliances Virtual Marathon
Incl. $4.75 Fee & T-Shirt
$54.75
OPENS 04 JUNThe 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 26th and May 26th -
KDF Race Challenge 5K & minMarathon
Incl. $8.40 Fee
$103.40
OPENS 04 JUN2 Races 3 Medals! Accept the challenge and run the 5K presented by First Urology on Friday, April 24, then the GE Appliances miniMarathon on Saturday, April 25, to receive 3rd commemorative Challenge Medal -
KDF Race Challenge 5K & Marathon
Incl. $9.10 Fee
$114.10
OPENS 04 JUN2 Races 3 Medals! Accept the challenge and run the 5K presented by First Urology on Friday, April 24, then the GE Appliances Marathon on Saturday, April 25, to receive 3rd commemorative Challenge Medal
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