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Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend

Sat, Apr 25, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT

Location
Louisville, KY
City of Louisville, 40203
Type
RUN

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Experience Louisville's charm and the iconic Churchill Downs infield, then celebrate your finish at this historic Derby Festival race weekend.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Festive

Great for: casual, fun-first runners

Less ideal for: pure PR-chasing on a bare course

The Humana Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon & Marathon is a cherished spring tradition in Louisville, Kentucky. As the largest annual day of road racing in the state, it celebrates its 53rd miniMarathon and 25th Marathon in 2026. Runners will journey through vibrant city neighborhoods, culminating in a unique run through the infield of historic Churchill Downs. The weekend also features a 5K and a virtual race option, offering a memorable experience for all participants before a lively post-race party.

What to expect

  • Run through diverse Louisville neighborhoods and the historic Churchill Downs infield.
  • Celebrate your accomplishment at a lively post-race party.
  • Complete the KDF Race Challenge for a third medal by running the Friday 5K and a Saturday race.

Standout details

  • Run through the infield of Churchill Downs
  • Largest annual day of road racing in Kentucky
  • KDF Race Challenge for a 3rd medal
  • Virtual race option available

Perks & features

  • After-Party

From the public listing — confirm on the official site.

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

8 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

  • 3.1 Miles

    Fri, Apr 24, 7:00 PM EDT · From $49.40

    Opens Jun 3, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Jun 4, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

  • 13.1 Miles

    Sat, Apr 25, 7:00 AM EDT · From $57.39

    Opens Jun 3, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Jun 4, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

  • 13.1 Miles

    Sat, Apr 25, 7:00 AM EDT · From $54.75

    Opens Jun 3, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Jun 4, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

+ 5 more options
  • 26.2 Miles

    Sat, Apr 25, 7:00 AM EDT · From $65.95

    Opens Jun 3, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Jun 4, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

  • 26.2 Miles

    Sat, Apr 25, 7:00 AM EDT · From $350.25

    Opens Jun 3, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Jun 4, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

  • 26.2 Miles

    Sat, Apr 25, 7:00 AM EDT · From $54.75

    Opens Jun 3, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Jun 4, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

  • KDF Race Challenge 5K & Humana minMarathon

    Fri, Apr 24, 7:00 PM EDT · From $103.40

    Opens Jun 3, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Jun 4, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

  • KDF Race Challenge 5K & Humana Marathon

    Fri, Apr 24, 7:00 PM EDT · From $114.10

    Opens Jun 3, 2025, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Jun 4, 2025, 7:59 PM EDT

Vibe Check

Steady Effort

longer distance

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

  • Flat
  • Timed race
From the organizer

The Humana 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.

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