REGISTRATION FOR 2026 mini & MARATHON OPENS TODAY WITH SPECIAL PROMOTION
September 9, 2025. Louisville, KY. – Humana, a Louisville-based company dedicated to helping people achieve their best health, will return in 2026 as the Title Sponsor of the miniMarathon and Marathon. Registration for the Humana miniMarathon and Marathon opens TODAY at 9 a.m. with a limited-time promotion. Runners can get race details and register at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
“Community-minded sponsors, like Humana, make it possible for the Kentucky Derby Festival to produce the miniMarathon and Marathon every spring,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “What started as a local tradition has become a destination running event, drawing participants from across the country and around the world to Louisville each year. We’re excited to celebrate a special milestone in 2026 with the 25th running of the Marathon.”
Humana is a longtime friend and partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival. A leading health and well-being company, their sponsorship of the miniMarathon and Marathon dates back to 2013. 2026 marks their third time as the Title Sponsor. Humana has also sponsored other signature Derby Festival events, including the Race Training Program, Race Expo, Thunder Over Louisville, Block Party and JusticeFest.
“Humana is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Kentucky Derby Festival,” said David Dintenfass, Humana President of Enterprise Growth. “For more than a decade, we’ve shared a commitment to supporting the health and vitality of our hometown. These races embody the spirit of community, wellness, and perseverance — values that align closely with our purpose to help people achieve their best health. We’re especially honored to be part of this milestone year and look forward to welcoming runners from near and far to Louisville.”
The Derby Festival races attract over 10,000 participants annually from all 50 states and a dozen countries for the state’s largest annual day of road racing. 2026 marks the 53rd miniMarathon and the 25th Marathon.
“If you’ve ever wanted to run our Marathon, 2026 is the year to do it,” said Chris Martini, Kentucky Derby Festival Race Director. “It’s one of the flattest Boston Qualifying courses in the Midwest, and with our special opening day pricing, runners can secure the best deal of the season.”
Registration Savings
Starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, participants can lock in the lowest rates of the year during an exclusive 25-hour promotion in honor of the 25th running of the Marathon in 2026. Registration will be $55 for the miniMarathon and $65 for the Marathon. But don’t wait too long to register – prices increase after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
2026 Race Registration Opens
Once the limited time offer wraps up, registration will be $65 for the miniMarathon and $75 for the Marathon. In addition to the miniMarathon (half marathon) and full Marathon, the Derby Festival also offers a Marathon Relay ($325) for teams of 3 to 5 runners, as well as the virtual miniMarathon and Marathon option ($50) for those who prefer to run at their own pace.
Race Challenge
Registration is also open for the Kentucky Derby Festival 5K Presented by First Urology ($45) and the Race Challenge. Participants who register and complete both the 5K race and the miniMarathon or Marathon will receive a one-of-a-kind Challenge Medal to commemorate their experience.
Course Details
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.
Participant Support
The 2026 Race Ambassador Team, made up of 15 runners from Louisville and Oldham County to Shepherdsville Ky., and Charlestown, Ind., is set for the Humana miniMarathon and Marathon. This group plays a key role in keeping runners and walkers informed and motivated in the months leading up to the race. Participants can learn more about the Ambassadors and connect with them through the race website.
Race Week will again feature the two-day Race Expo and Packet Pick-Up on April 23 and 24 at Freedom Hall, located at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Plus, runners of all experience levels can take part in the free Norton Sports Health Training Program, which will assist participants in getting race-day ready.
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 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 Hotel. Official Timing Partner: Rumpke Waste & Recycling. Official Broadcast Partner: WLKY. Media Sponsor: 99.7 DJX.
More information about the 2026 Humana miniMarathon and Marathon is available at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
