American Bluegrass Classic

The American Bluegrass Classic

The American Bluegrass Classic is a running event held on October 17, 2026, in Historic Downtown Paducah, Kentucky (215 Jefferson St.). The race takes place beside the Ohio River during the Riverfront Fall Festival weekend, which includes Octoberfest and Cars and Guitars.

Distances offered include:

• Marathon: 26.2 Miles, 4 loops.
• Half Marathon: 13.1 Miles, 2 loops.
• 4 Person Relay: one loop per runner; loop is slightly longer than a 10K.

The course is looped and described as flat, with repeated passes through downtown to provide consistent course conditions and spectator viewing. The start and finish are located in Historic Downtown Paducah.

Race weekend coincides with live music, food, beverages and family activities in downtown Paducah. Downtown events include post-race Cars and Guitars and other festival programming. Paducah is noted as a UNESCO Creative City.

Registration details in the event information show opening and closing dates and entry fees by event: marathon entry fee $95, half marathon $80, and four-person relay $65. The marathon is laid out as four loops, the half marathon as two loops, and each relay member runs one loop. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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