5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons
- 5k races
Name City Date Website Girls on the Run Louisville Fall 5k Run the beautiful waterfront in downtown Louisville in this 5k! This 5k marks the end of the Girl on the Run season, but is open to everyone. The course takes place in the Louisville Waterfront Park. Registered runners will receive a shirt and bib. Race begins at 10:00am. Carpooling is strongly suggested. Both free and fee parking will be available.see more detailsLouisville 1 January 1970 GOTR Louisville Louisville Hungry Turkey 5k Before you sit down for Thanksgiving, join runners for the Hungry Turkey 5k! Runners will be rewarded with a famous finish line cinnamon roll and free race photos. Registered runners will receive a two toned race hoodie. Race begins at 9:00am and is walker friendly.see more detailsLouisville 28 November 2019 Louisville Hungry Turkey Run Pilgrimage in the Park 5K Take your turkey trot to the trails in this 5k race! Race begins at 8:00 am in Pulaski Park in Nancy. Runners will be treated to beautiful views of Lake Cumberland on this year's new course. Make sure to register by November 13 to guarantee a race shirt. This race is walker friendly.see more detailsNancy 28 November 2019 Pilgrimage in the Park 5K Run/Walk Bluegrass Runners Thoroughbred Classic 5K Join runners at the Keeneland Race Course for this Thanksgiving 5k race! Post race apple cider, doughnuts and hot chocolate will be available for all runners. First 1000 register runners will receive a pair of Pro Compression socks. All pre registered runners will get a long sleeve tech shirt. Dogs and strollers are allowed for an extra fee.see more detailsLexington 28 November 2019 Bluegrass Runners Thoroughbred Classic 5K Spindletop Stache & Sweater Dash 5K Grow out your mustache (or glue one on) and put on your best (and ugliest) holiday sweater for this 5k! Runners will receive a race shirt and there will be family friendly activities available. Proceeds of the race go to the American Lung Association. Race begins at 10:00am.see more detailsLexington 14 December 2019 Spindletop Stache & Sweater Dash 5K Frostbite 5k This 5k is the second race in the Polar Bear Grand Prix race series. The course will be in Cherokee Park at the Rugby field. First 600 registered runners will receive a long sleeve tech shirt. Race begins at 9:00am. Runners who sign up for all 3 Polar Bear Grand Prix races will receive a knit hat.see more detailsLouisville 11 January 2020 Frostbite 5k Cupid's Chase 5k Proceeds of this 5k go to Community Options which supports those with disabilities. Register before December 31 to guarantee a race shirt. Registered runners will receive a finishers medal, goody bag and post race refreshments. Race begins at 9:00am.see more detailsBowling Green 8 February 2020 Running in the USA About 5k races
A 5k race is the shortest of the common running event distances, consisting of 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). These races in Kentucky can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular one you are looking into. They are the most popular of road running races in Kentucky because of their relatively short distance which allows not only the seasoned runners to run, but novice runners, joggers, and new-comers as well. These races in Kentucky have the highest ratio of women compared to other race distances.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best 5k races in Kentucky?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is. Finally, runners that are prone to injuries like Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Piriformis also tend to enjoy shorter races in Kentucky.
Read also about good shoes for shin splints.
What are the best 5Ks in Louisville?
There are many to choose from here at the Louisville Area is host to many 5k races throughout its many communities. Some of these are charity events for fundraising, some fun runs, and other racing events but it all comes down to the runners. Some of the notable 5k running events include Louisville Hungry Turkey 5k, Frostbite 5k, and Girls on the Run Louisville Fall 5k.
What are the best 5ks in Lexington?
Some great 5k races take you on a running tour of various Lexington neighborhoods. Some notable race events to check out our Kentucky 5k, Bluegrass Runners Thoroughbred Classic 5K, and Spindletop Stache & Sweater Dash 5K.
- 10k races
Name City Date Website Harrods Creek Trail Bash 10k Proceeds of this event will benefit the newest addition to the Prospect Park System - Harrods Creek Trail. Participants will receive a race shirt, finishers award and post race chili. There will be 25 minute per mile cutoff. There is also a 5k race as well. Race begins at 9:00am.see more detailsProspect 17 November 2019 Harrods Creek Trail Bash 5k/10k Rodes City Run 10k Come join runners in one of the oldest and longest-running road races in the region, the 40th annual Rodes City Run 10k in Louisville! This is the second race in the Louisville Triple Crown of Running series. There will be water stations and bathrooms on course. Race begins at 8:00am.see more detailsLouisville 21 March 2020 Rodes City Run 10k Bluegrass 10,000 This 10k race is part of Lexington's Fourth of July Festival. Course goes through the business and historic districts of downtown Lexington. There will seven water and/or medical stations along course. Wheelchair participants are encouraged to sign up. Pets are not permitted at this race.see more detailsLexington 4 July 2020 Bluegrass 10,000 and Fun Run Jamestown Lakefest Mike Hill 10k The Lakefest 10k started in 1976 as a celebration for Jamestown's bicentennial. Runners will receive a shirt and post race food and drink. Race begins at 7:30am. There is also a 5k option.see more detailsJamestown 1 January 1970 Jamestown Lakefest Mike Hill 10k/5k Hot Hot Hundred 10k If you are looking for tough, steep trails, then check out the Hot Hot Hundred 10k! This race is held on a private tree farm and features a challenging, technical loop course. All finishers will receive a handmade finishers award and a race shirt. Free onsite camping will be available to participants.see more detailsWallingford 1 January 1970 Hot Hot Hundred The Raven 10k This 10k is held on Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. The course is hilly and challenging and is run on the trail systems of the sanctuary. Sign up in advance to guarantee a race shirt. Race begins at 10:00am.see more detailsLexington 6 October 2019 The Raven 10k Yamacraw 10k The course of the Yamacraw 10k is on the Blue Heron Loop Trail in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Runners will be treated to views of the gorge, river, whitewater rapids, waterfalls and more! This challenging race has a 3 hour time limit. Finishers will receive a finishers award.see more detailsStearns 1 January 1970 Yamacraw 10k Trail Races YMCA of Greater Louisville Turkey Trot Start your holiday off with the 47th annual turkey trot hosted by YMCA of Greater Louisville! Free childcare will be available to participants. Participants will receive a t-shirt and there will be race day registration available. Both the 10k and 5k begin at 8:00am. The course is flat and the race begins and finished in front of the Northeast Family YMCA.see more detailsLouisville 28 November 2019 YMCA of Greater Louisville About 10k races
A 10k is one of the most common running event distances, consisting of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). Also, these races in Kentucky can either be competitive or more for fun, depending on the particular one you are looking into. They are twice the distance of the 5k and still relatively short in distance. Fewer runners tend to participate then the 5k, but these races in Kentucky still get a lot of not only seasoned runners but novice runners and joggers in attendance.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best 10k races in Kentucky?
We checked which races in Kentucky runners are looked for and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.
What are the best 10K events in Louisville?
Louisville is Kentucky's largest city so it's no surprise that it would also host plenty of races! Notable 10k races in Louisville include Rodes City Run 10k, the Turkey Trot 10k hosted by the YMCA of Greater Louisville as well as the Louisville 10k, part of the Louisville Marathon race weekend.
What are the best 10K trail races in Kentucky?
There are plenty of beautiful, scenic trail races in Kentucky. Some trail 10k events include Yamacraw 10k, Hot Hot Hundred 10k and Harrods Creek Trail Bash 10k. Many of these races in Kentucky are challenging, with technical terrain and steep climbs, so be sure to check the race's information before signing up.
- Half marathons
Name City Date Website Renfro Rock N' Run Half Marathon The course features beautiful lake views, farmland, rustic cabins and then finishing through an under road tunnel to live music and a cheering crowd! Register early to guarantee a long sleeve tech shirt. All finishers will receive a medal. Race begins at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. There will be 9 hydration stations on course and a 3 1/2 hour time limit.see more detailsRenfro Valley 19 October 2019 Renfro Rock N' Run Honor Run Half Marathon This half marathon honors those who serve in the military this Veteran's Day weekend. Race begins and finishes at the Florence Y'ALL water tower. Register runners will receive a shirt and post race food and drink. Finishers will receive a medal. Participants must maintain at 15:00/mile pace.see more detailsFlorence 10 November 2019 Honor Run Half Marathon Louisville Half Marathon Registered runners will receive a half zip micro fleece pull over and all finishers will receive a medal and a slice of Famous Kern's Kitchen Derby Pie at the finish line! Post race beer sampling will be available to runners over 21. Race begins at 8:00am.see more detailsLouisville 10 November 2019 Louisville Marathon The Gobbler Half Marathon Run through the beautiful bluegrass horse country in the Gobbler Half Marathon! Stick around afterwards for the post race festivities include free post race massage, food, DJ and more! Course has a 3 hour 15 minute limit. Long sleeve tech race shirts are available on first come first serve basis.see more detailsLexington 24 November 2019 The Gobbler Half Marathon Christmas on the Country Music Highway Half Marathon Get in the Christmas Spirit with this holiday themed half marathon! This race is a flat, fast double out and back loop runs along Island Creek. Note that the roads are not closed during the race. Finishers will receive a medal. Race begins at 8:00 am.see more detailsPaintsville 1 January 1970 Christmas on the Country Music Highway Half Marathon The Lucky Leprechaun Half Marathon Runners will run through horse country in this scenic half marathon race. Race begins and finishes at the Falling Springs Recreation Center. Post race entertainment and mini massages will be available to all runners. Runners will receive a shirt and finishers will receive a medal. Participants must maintain 15 minutes per mile pace.see more detailsVersailles 7 March 2020 The Lucky Leprechaun Half Marathon America's Prettiest Half Marathon This half marathon lives up to its name. Runners will be treated to beautiful views on a mix of rolling hills and flat sections. Runners will begin and end at Keeneland Race Course and run through majestic Thoroughbred Farms and a section of Kentucky's historic Old Frankfort Pike. Runners will receive a lightweight vintage race hoodie with the option to upgrade.see more detailsLexington 28 March 2020 Run the Bluegrass Viking Dash Trail Half Marathon Looking for a challenge? Then check out the Viking Dash Half Marathon! Race will take place at Horine Reserve - Jefferson Memorial Forest. Finishers will receive a two sided viking sword and battle axe medal. First 200 registrants will receive a commemorative pint glass. All runners will receive a shirt and BBQ at the post race festival.see more detailsLouisville 30 May 2020 Viking Dash Urban Bourban Half Marathon You won't want to miss the post race party at this half marathon! Runners must be 21 or older to race. Runners will be able to sample a variety of bourbon as well as enjoy local pizza and beer. Runners will also be treated to live music as well. Swag includes race shirt, virtual goodie bag and a finishers medal.see more detailsLouisville 19 October 2019 Urban Bourban Half Marathon About Half marathons
A Half Marathon event consists of running 13 miles (21 kilometers) and as the label suggests, is half of a standard Marathon which is a total of 26 miles. Also, these races in Kentucky can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular one you are looking into. The popularity, participants of the half marathon distance and its events, have significantly grown since the early 2000s and they continue to do so, with significant events popping up all over the states. The growth rate of participants for the half distance is currently higher than that of the full.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best Half Marathon races in Kentucky?
We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.
What are the best Half Marathons in Louisville?
Kentucky's largest city is host to plenty of running races. Some of the more notable races include Urban Bourban Half Marathon and Louisville Half Marathon. Other nearby Half Marathons include Honor Run Half Marathon and the Lucky Leprechaun Half Marathon.
- Marathons
Name City Date Website Louisville Marathon This Boston Qualifier marathon features a mix of flat sections and 5 challenging hills. Participants will receive a half zip micro fleece pullover, finishers medal and a piece of Famous Kern's Kitchen Derby Pie. Post race beer sampling will be available to runners over 21. Race begins at 8:00am.see more detailsLouisville 10 November 2019 Louisville Marathon Otter Creek Marathon If you are looking for a beginner trail marathon, check out the Otter Creek Marathon! This single track 3 loop course features beautiful pine trees, rolling hills and creek views. After party includes the Otter Chili Cook-Off. All finishers will receive a wooden hand carved medal and a long sleeve race shirt or hoodie (TBD). Race begins at 8:00am at the Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area.see more detailsBrandenburg 21 December 2019 Otter Creek Land Between The Lakes Trail Marathon Runners will be treated to beautiful views in this trail marathon! Race begins at Kentucky Lake and make their way through Canal Loop trail in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area to the rolling hills of the Barkley Lake side then back to Kentucky Lake. Finisher will receive a special custom medal and post race food. All runners will receive a tech shirt, running cap and drawstring backpack. Race begins at 6:30am. Tsee more detailsGrand Rivers 14 March 2020 Land Between The Lakes Riverboat Series Day 5 Marathon The Day 5 marathon in the Riverboat series takes place at Columbus-Belmont State Park. Runners will complete the two loop course 12 times. The course features views of the Mississippi River and makes it way through the Civil War Earthworks. There will be a giant aid station stocked with various food and drink at the start/finish line. Race begins at 6:30am with an early start option at 5:30am. Finishers will receive a medal and t-shirt. Race series has a "no runner left behind" policy.see more detailsColumbus 1 January 1970 Riverboat Series Derby Festival Marathon This marathon is part of the month long Kentucky Derby Festival celebration. This race is a Boston Qualifier and has a 6 hour time limit. Runners will receive a gender specific tech shirt and finishers medal. Post race festival will be at the Waterfront Park and will have post race refreshments for participants. Medal engraving will be available onsite.see more detailsLouisville 25 April 2020 Derby Festival Marathon Backside Trail Marathon If you are looking for a challenge, check out this trail marathon! Course features plenty of rolling hills on single track through both Seneca Park and Cherokee Park. Marathon runners will complete the 13.1 mile course twice. There will be 3 aid stations on course. Runners will receive a handcrafted medal and unisex shirt. Race begins at 8:00am.see more detailsLouisville 1 January 1970 Backside Trail Marathon Horse Capital Marathon Join runners at the Horse Capital of the World in this marathon! Runners will make their way through horse country on rolling, scenic country roads and will pass more than 40 horse farms! Race has a 6 hour 15 minutes course limit. Participants will receive a tech shirt and finishers medal. Post race food will be available for all participants.see more detailsLexington 1 January 1970 Horse Capital Marathon About Marathons
Marathon events consist of 26 miles (42 kilometers), and the courses are typically laid out through roads. Also, these races in Kentucky can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular one you are looking into. Starting in the Olympics in the early 1900s, marathons have quickly picked up in popularity, and in 2017 there are currently more than 800 events being held, and that number is consistently growing.
Read moreRead lessHow did we choose the best Marathon races in Kentucky?
We checked which races in Kentucky runners are looked for and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.
What are the best Marathons in Louisville?
Being the largest city in Kentucky, Louisville is the host to many races. If you are looking for a trail race, be sure to check out the Backside Trail Marathon. If you are looking for a big city road race, there is the Louisville Marathon, Derby Festival Marathon and the Horse Capital Marathon.
