REGISTRATION IS SOLD OUT FOR 2026 EVENT
April 22, 2026. Louisville, KY. – The Kentucky Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology returns Friday evening, April 24, kicking off a full weekend of racing with the traditional Humana miniMarathon and Marathon on Saturday, April 25. Registration is SOLD OUT with 1,500 participants expected at the Festival 5K that starts and finishes at Harbor Lawn at Waterfront Park. The 2nd annual event offers runners a scenic experience with an evening run over the Ohio River just before sunset.
Participants will run a looped course that starts at 7 p.m. at Harbor Lawn and includes a lap on the Big Four Bridge. The race welcomes participants ages 10 and up, making it the perfect outing for Festival fans and families of all fitness levels. It’s also the ultimate shakeout run for those looking to prime their legs before taking on the half or full marathon the following morning.
All participants will receive a Finisher’s Medal after they cross the Finish Line. This year’s design features a silver horseshoe with the Derby Festival’s signature pink and teal colors.
In addition, runners who complete both the Festival 5K Presented by First Urology and the Humana miniMarathon or Marathon will receive a special, one-of-a-kind Challenge Medal to commemorate their experience.
Festival 5K participants can pick up their race packets at the Publix Super Markets Race Expo and Packet Pick-Up at Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The Race Expo is open Thursday, April 23 from 4-8 p.m. and on Friday, April 24 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
First Urology is the Presenting Sponsor of the Festival 5K for the second year in a row. Official Medical Provider: Norton Sports Health. Contributing Sponsor: Kentucky Proud. Media Sponsor: 99.7 DJX.
About Kentucky Derby Festival
2026 marks the 71st year for the Kentucky Derby Festival, a month-long celebration packed with 70+ events leading up to the first Saturday in May. As an independent community organization, it’s supported by 4,000 volunteers, more than 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. It entertains more than 1.5 million people every spring and has a local economic impact of more than $200 million. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
