REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK FOR mini & MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM
November 13, 2024. Louisville, KY. – Get FREE training with a big finish! The Kentucky Derby Festival and Norton Sports Health are set to help participants go the distance with their annual Training Program for the 2025 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon. The 15-week Norton Sports Health Training Program includes training options for participants at all fitness levels. Training registration opens online next Tuesday, Nov. 19 at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
“The Norton Sports Health Training Program is the best way to prepare for Kentucky’s largest day of road racing,” said Chris Martini, Kentucky Derby Festival Race Director. “Whether it’s your first race or one of many, this program will help you stay on track to reach your goals and cross the Finish Line next spring.”
The free Training Program includes a one-sheet quick reference Official Training Plan, a free downloadable Official Training Manual (available online), in-person weekly group runs, stretching and cross-training opportunities, nutrition tips and more, and is geared for participants of all experience levels. Plus, the first 1,000 to register to participate in the Training Program will also receive a free tech shirt. (Once all tech shirts are claimed, registrants will still be able to register to participate in the training program. However, shirts are only promised to the first 1,000).
The kick-off for the Norton Sports Health Training Program is set for Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the race medals for the 2025 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon and can preview the course map that will be on display. The January event includes distribution of the one-sheet quick reference Official Training Plan, as well as the opportunity to meet and talk with members of the Norton Sports Health Team before training begins. Guests can also shop and customize Official Race Gear, take their picture at multiple photo opportunities set up at the event, and tour the Derby Museum’s exhibits. Training runs will take place weekly starting January 11 and go through the week of the race.
Norton Sports Health has been the Title Sponsor of the Training Program for more than a decade.
“Norton Healthcare is thrilled to once again offer our free Norton Sports Health Training Program to the community,” said Russell F. Cox, President and CEO of Norton Healthcare. “As an organization, Norton Healthcare values the power of community and wellness. Sponsoring this training program not only aligns with our commitment to fitness, but also allows us to be a part of one of Louisville’s biggest events – the Kentucky Derby Festival. We can’t wait to be there – from January to race day – to help miniMarathoners and Marathoners prepare for a safe and healthy race.”
“Norton Sports Health is excited to partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival to bring this training program to life,” said Tiff L. Haub, M.S., ATC, director of Norton Sports Health. “The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon are embedded in the fabric of the Derby’s 150-year history in Louisville. As both the training program sponsor and race-day medical provider, our Norton Sports Health team is prepared to help runners of all levels cross the finish line safely.”
Registration is also open for the 2025 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com. 2025 marks the 52nd run of the minMarathon and the 24th annual Marathon, set for Saturday, April 26. More information is available at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com, along with FAQs to help answer questions about the 2025 event.
GE Appliances is the Title Sponsor of the miniMarathon and Marathon. Official Race Medical Provider & Training Partner: Norton Sports Health. Contributing Sponsors are Churchill Downs, Kentucky Department of Tourism, Louisville Water Company, Powerade and TEN20 Craft Brewery. Official Nutrition Partner: Publix. Official Bourbon Retail Partner: Evergreen Liquors. Official Refuel Partner: Prairie Farms. Official Pace Team Sponsor: Ken Combs Running Store. Official Hotel: The Galt House. Official Timing Sponsor: Rumpke Waste & Recycling.
Norton Sports Health returns for the 13th year as Title Sponsor of the Training Program, as well as the Official Training Partner and Medical Provider for the mini and Marathon. They are joined by Contributing Sponsors GE Appliances, a Haier Company, and Swags Sport Shoes; as well as Media Sponsor 99.7 DJX.
