Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon brings Louisville's spring festival energy to a loop course that mixes downtown, parkways, and the city's South End.
Every link above goes to the race, its timing provider, or an official registration partner. Last checked August 4, 2026.
Quick facts
- Part of the Kentucky Derby Festival weekend alongside the miniMarathon.
- Loop course through downtown, Old Louisville, parkways, and the South End.
- Official runner tracking page is easy to find.
- Six-hour limit with pace standards enforced on course.
2027 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon registration
Registration for the 2027 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon runs through the official registration page at runsignup.com.
About the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon
This race arrives with a bigger civic backdrop than most regional marathons. It shares the weekend with the festival's hugely popular miniMarathon, so the full benefits from a crowd and operational scale that smaller markets rarely get.
Course
The route starts near Louisville Slugger Field, runs through downtown, Old Louisville, parts of the Olmsted Park System, and the South End, then finishes near the waterfront. It is a city-tour loop rather than a stripped-down fast course, with enough variety to keep the miles moving.
Race-day weather
Late April in Louisville can turn warm quickly, especially once the sun settles in. A cool start does not guarantee an easy second half, so conservative early pacing still matters.
Past Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, April 24, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2026 | Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Completed | Open results |
| 2025 | Saturday, April 26, 2025 | Completed | Open results |
| 2024 | Saturday, April 27, 2024 | — | — |
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Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon FAQ
When is the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon?
The 2027 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is on Saturday, April 24, 2027.
How do I register for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon?
Register for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon through the official registration link: marathonscout.com/go/kentucky-derby-festival-marathon/register. It opens the race registration page at runsignup.com.
Can I use the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon for Boston qualifying?
Marathon Scout marks the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon course as a Boston qualifier. Check the current Boston qualifying times and confirm current course certification with the race before registering. Starting with 2027 registration, the B.A.A. adds 5 minutes to times from courses with 1,500 to 2,999 feet of net downhill and 10 minutes to courses with 3,000 to 5,999 feet, and does not accept courses with 6,000 feet or more. See the net-downhill course index if this course loses significant elevation.
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