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.
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.
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.
Is Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. To use the result, you must run the certified full-marathon course within the qualifying window and meet the current standard for your age and gender. Meeting the standard lets you apply but does not guarantee entry, and net-downhill courses can receive a time adjustment under current B.A.A. rules. Review the Boston qualifying times and downhill-course rules, or browse upcoming Boston qualifier marathons.
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