24-HOUR PROMOTION OFFERS LOWEST PRICES OF THE SEASON
September 4, 2026. Louisville, KY. – Ready, set, save! Registration for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 2027 Race Weekend opens at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Runners can secure their spot for a full weekend of racing this spring and take advantage of an exclusive 24-hour promotion featuring the lowest registration prices of the season. Race Weekend returns April 23 and 24, 2027, with the Festival 5K Presented by First Urology on Friday and the Humana miniMarathon and Marathon on Saturday. Runners can get race details and register at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
“Race Weekend brings thousands of runners together in Louisville for one of Kentucky’s favorite spring traditions,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President & CEO. “Whether you’re signing up for your first 5K, taking on the Humana miniMarathon or Marathon, or tackling the Race Challenge, this 24-hour promotion is the best time to secure your spot.”
On September 8, registration for the Humana miniMarathon will start at $65 and the Marathon at $75. Prices will increase at select times during the promotional period, making early registration the best opportunity to secure the lowest available rate. The promotion ends at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Humana, a leading U.S. healthcare company based in Louisville, returns in 2027 as the Title Sponsor of the miniMarathon and Marathon. Humana has been a longtime partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival, with its sponsorship of the miniMarathon and Marathon dating back to 2013. The 2027 race marks Humana’s fourth year as Title Sponsor.
“There’s something special about seeing thousands of people come together to pursue a personal goal while strengthening the sense of connection that makes Louisville such a vibrant community,” said Carolyn Tandy, Humana’s Chief Inclusion and Engagement Officer. “This Louisville tradition enables people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to participate, challenge themselves, and support one another along the way. We’re proud to continue partnering with the Kentucky Derby Festival on an event that reflects our commitment to helping people achieve their best health.”
Race Weekend Options
The Derby Festival races attract more than 12,000 participants to Louisville on the last weekend in April. Race Weekend kicks off with the third annual Festival 5K Presented by First Urology. The evening 5K starts at 7 p.m. Friday, April 23, and gives runners a chance to race before taking on the half or full marathon the following morning. The race welcomes participants ages 10 and older, making it an ideal outing for Festival fans and families of all fitness levels. Registration is $45.
On Saturday, April 24, runners from all 50 states and several countries will take to the streets for the 54th miniMarathon and 26th Marathon, making it Kentucky’s largest day of road racing. In addition to the in-person miniMarathon and Marathon, a Marathon Relay is offered for teams of three to five runners for $325, as well as virtual miniMarathon and Marathon options for $50 for those who prefer to run at their own pace.
Race Challenge
Runners looking to make the most of Race Weekend can take on the Race Challenge, pairing the 5K with either the Humana miniMarathon or Marathon. Participants who complete both races will receive a one-of-a-kind Challenge Medal commemorating their Race Weekend experience. Registration is $105 for the miniMarathon & 5K Challenge and $115 for the Marathon & 5K Challenge.
Course Details
The Humana miniMarathon and Marathon will start simultaneously at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 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 tour some of Louisville’s most iconic sights, including downtown, the historic Old Louisville neighborhood, Churchill Downs and portions of the Olmsted Park System. Marathon runners will also experience Louisville’s South End, including a stretch along Southern Parkway and through Iroquois Park.
Festival 5K participants will run a looped course that starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 23 at Harbor Lawn and includes a lap on the Big Four Bridge.
Race Resources
The 2027 Race Ambassador Team, made up of 15 runners from Louisville and Southern Indiana, will help keep participants informed and motivated throughout the months leading up to Race Weekend. Participants can learn more about the Ambassadors and connect with them through the race website.
Race Weekend will again feature a two-day Race Expo and Packet Pick-Up on Thursday, April 22, and Friday, April 23, at Freedom Hall, Kentucky Exposition Center.
Runners of all experience levels can also take part in the free Norton Sports Health Training Program, which helps participants prepare for the Humana miniMarathon and Marathon.
Race 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 Refuel Partner: Prairie Farms. Official Pace Team Sponsor: Ken Combs Running Store. Official Bourbon: Hartfield & Co. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel. Official Timing Partner: Rumpke Waste & Recycling. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: 99.7 DJX.
First Urology is the Presenting Sponsor of the Festival 5K. Official Medical Provider: Norton Sports Health. Contributing Sponsor: Kentucky Proud. Media Sponsor: 99.7 DJX.
More information about the 2027 Race Weekend is available at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
