Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend
The Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend is an annual spring running event held in Louisville, Kentucky. It is recognized as the largest day of road racing in the state. The 2026 edition marks the 53rd year for the miniMarathon and the 25th year for the full Marathon.
The courses for the longer distances begin at Louisville Slugger Field in downtown Louisville. Participants travel through numerous city neighborhoods and complete a run through the infield of Churchill Downs, the historic home of the Kentucky Derby. The event features a post-race party at the finish line for participants, family, and friends.
Available event distances and categories include:
- Marathon (26.2 miles): Open to participants ages 14 and older.
- miniMarathon (13.1 miles): Open to participants ages 12 and older.
- Marathon Relay: A 26.2-mile race for teams of three to five people.
- 5K: A 3.1-mile race held on Friday evening, open to ages 10 and older.
- Virtual Races: Remote options for both the marathon and miniMarathon distances.
The weekend also includes the KDF Race Challenge, where participants can earn a third medal by completing the 5K on Friday followed by either the miniMarathon or Marathon on Saturday. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
