SEE SNEAK PEEK OF 2024 RACE MEDAL & COURSE AT KICK-OFF EVENT
November 10, 2023, Louisville, KY. – Go the distance! The Kentucky Derby Festival and Norton Sports Health are ready to put a little prep in your step with their annual Training Program for the 2024 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon. The FREE 15-week program is packed with in-person training options to get participants ready for one of the top road races in the country on April 27, 2024. Registration for the Norton Sports Health Training Program opens online Tuesday, Nov. 14 at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
“The Norton Sports Health Training Program is the best way to prepare yourself to run 13.1 or 26.2 miles,” said Chris Martini, Kentucky Derby Festival Race Director. “Whether it’s your first time running our race or an annual spring tradition, this free program will help you meet your goals and cross the finish line.”
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, hill & track work tips, nutrition pointers and more, and is geared for participants of all experience levels. Plus, the first 800 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 800.)
The kick-off for the Norton Sports Health Training Program is set for Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Kentucky Derby Museum. NEW THIS YEAR: Attendees will get a sneak peek of the 2024 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon race medals and be able to preview a detailed course map that will be on display. The January event also 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 13 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 pleased to once again offer our Norton Sports Health Training Program for free for this event,” said Russell F. Cox, President and CEO of Norton Healthcare. “From January through race day, the Norton Sports Health team will be there every step of the way helping The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathoners and Marathoners gear up for a safe and healthy race.”
“We’re excited to once again partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival for this year’s training program,” said Sam Zuege, System Vice President, Orthopedic Services. “The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon are crucial parts of the Derby’s long and storied tradition in our city, and the Norton Sports Health team is committed to helping runners of all levels accomplish their goals and cross the finish line.”
Registration is also open for the 2024 GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com. Participants from all 50 states and many countries head to Louisville on the last Saturday in April to run at this springtime tradition. 2024 marks the 51st run of the minMarathon and runners will get to race through historic Churchill Downs the week before the horses run Derby 150. It will be the 23rd annual Marathon.
Norton Sports Health returns for the 12th 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.
