January 22, 2026. Louisville, KY. – Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2026 Race Weekend is off to a fast start, with registration already reaching more than 50 percent capacity! Participants are encouraged to secure their spot soon for the Kentucky Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology on Friday, April 24, as well as the Humana miniMarathon and Marathon, set for Saturday, April 25. The cap for all races combined is 12,000 participants. Registration is open online at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
“Race Weekend offers something for everyone, whether you’re training for a full marathon, tackling your first half, or just looking to enjoy a fun 5K experience,” said Chris Martini, Kentucky Derby Festival Race Director. “With registration already more than halfway full, now is the time to sign up and guarantee your spot.”
Current registration is $45 for the 5K, $95 for the miniMarathon, $105 for the Marathon (which is celebrating its 25th run in 2026), and $325 for the Relay. Runners can also register for the Race Challenge and complete both the 5K and the miniMarathon or Marathon. Registration for the Race Challenge with the 5K and mini is $140 or with the 5K and Marathon is $150. Registration prices increase on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
The 5K Presented by First Urology will start at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24. Participants will run a looped course that starts and finishes at Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park and includes a lap on the Big 4 Bridge. The evening run is ideal for Festival fans and families at all fitness levels and is also an opportunity for runners to get a warm-up in ahead of their half or full the next day. Open to participants ages 10 and up.
The Humana miniMarathon and Marathon will start simultaneously at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, on Main Street, near Louisville Slugger Field. The Finish Line is at Preston and Witherspoon Streets, just outside the Waterfront. Runners in both the miniMarathon and Marathon will enjoy a tour of Louisville’s most iconic sights. The course will wind through downtown, the historic Old Louisville neighborhood, Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby), and parts of the picturesque Olmsted Park System. The full Marathon will showcase Louisville’s South End, featuring a stretch along Southern Parkway and through Iroquois Park.
5K Sponsors: First Urology is the Presenting Sponsor of the 5K. Official Medical Provider: Norton Sports Health. Contributing Sponsor: Kentucky Proud. Media Sponsor: 99.7 DJX.
miniMarathon and Marathon Sponsors: Humana is the Title Sponsor of the miniMarathon and Marathon. Official Medical Provider & Training Partner: Norton Sports Health. Contributing Sponsors: Churchill Downs, Kentucky Department of Tourism, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville Water Company, Powerade and TEN20 Craft Brewery. Official Nutrition Partner: Publix Super Markets. Official Bourbon Retail Partner: Evergreen Liquors. Official Refuel Partner: Prairie Farms. Official Pace Team Sponsor: Ken Combs Running Store. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel. Official Timing Partner: Rumpke Waste & Recycling. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: 99.7 DJX.
More information about the 2026 Race Weekend is available at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
