SPECIAL REGISTRATION DEALS START SEPT. 25
September 23, 2019. Louisville, KY. – The 2020 Humana Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon are shaping up to be “the greatest” races yet. For the first time, the Festival is partnering with the Muhammad Ali Center for the design of the race finisher medals. The medal, which will be unveiled after the new year, is the second in the Festival’s medal series featuring different landmarks and iconic symbols of Louisville.
“Our motto here at the Muhammad Ali Center is: Be Great: Do Great Things”, said Donald Lassere, President & CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “Throughout his life, Muhammad Ali inspired millions of people to realize their own personal greatness. We are especially proud to be partnering with the Kentucky Derby Festival for the miniMarathon and Marathon where athletes from around the world will convene in Muhammad’s hometown to literally live and achieve our motto of being great and doing great things.“
The medal series is being created based on feedback from race participants. Every year, runners pass the Muhammad Ali Center as they go down Main Street. The route for both the half and full marathon also includes the street with Ali’s namesake.
“More than just an athlete, Muhammad Ali inspires all of us to be our greatest self,” said Shanna Ward, Race Director. “Runners wanted one of Louisville’s hometown heroes to be part of our race. Ali’s legacy resonates with them, and we’re honored to partner with the organization that helps continue his mission.”
To help celebrate the new partnership, the Festival is rolling out 5 rounds of registration deals starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25. The discounts will last for 24 hours. Only 100 runners will be able to register during each round of discounts, as the registration prices gradually increase. Registration is open online at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
The 2020 Humana miniMarathon and Marathon are set for Saturday, April 25, 2020. It will mark the 47th annual miniMarathon and 19th annual Marathon. Both races will start simultaneously at 7:30 a.m. on Main Street near Slugger Field and will finish at Preston and Witherspoon streets.
The medal series started in 2019 with a medal showcasing Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the Big Bat. Over the years, the finisher’s medal has featured everything from the race logo and colors to the city skyline, Twin Spires, as well as a horseshoe, and the outline of the state of Kentucky.
Humana is Title Sponsor of the miniMarathon and Marathon. The Official Race Medical Provider & Training Partner is Norton Sports Health. Official IT Partner: Deloitte. Contributing Sponsors are Churchill Downs, Louisville Water Company, Powerade, The Courier-Journal and The Outlet Powered by Zappos. Official Hotel: The Galt House. Official Pace Car: Bachman Subaru. Official Beer: Goodwood Brewing.
About the Muhammad Ali Center
The Muhammad Ali Center, a 501(c)3 corporation, was co-founded by Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie in their hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The international cultural center promotes the Six Core Principles of Muhammad Ali (Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality) in ways that inspire personal and global greatness and provides programming and events around the focus areas of education, gender equity, and global citizenship. Its newest initiative, Generation Ali, fosters a new generation of leaders to contribute positively to their communities and to change the world for the better. The Center’s headquarters also contains an award-winning museum experience. For more information, please visit www.alicenter.org.
About Kentucky Derby Festival
Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
