REGISTRATION OPENS THURSDAY FOR mini & MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM
November 11, 2025. Louisville, KY. – The road to the 2026 Humana miniMarathon and Marathon starts now! The Kentucky Derby Festival and Norton Sports Health are ready to help participants go the distance with their annual FREE Training Program. The 15-week Norton Sports Health Training Program includes options for participants at all fitness levels. Training registration opens Thursday, Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com.
“The Norton Sports Health Training Program has helped runners prepare for race day for more than a decade,” said Chris Martini, Kentucky Derby Festival Race Director. “Whether participants are training for their first mini or just looking to improve their time, this free program provides the tools and motivation they need to reach the Finish Line.”
The free Training Program includes a one-page quick reference Official Training Plan, a free downloadable Official Training Manual (available online), in-person weekly group runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays with Norton Sports Health team members that include 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. 8, 2026, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the race medals for the 2026 Humana miniMarathon and Marathon and can preview the course map that will be on display. The January event includes distribution of the 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.
Norton Sports Health training runs will take place weekly starting January 10 and go through the week of the race. For those looking for even more training options, the new Swags Speed Series will be held on Tuesdays from Feb. 3 through April 7.
Norton Sports Health has been the Title Sponsor of the Training Program for 14 years.
“Norton Healthcare is proud to once again offer our free Norton Sports Health Training Program to the community,” said Russell F. Cox, President and CEO of Norton Healthcare. “Supporting this program reflects our deep commitment to community health and wellness. We’re honored to help runners prepare for one of Louisville’s most celebrated traditions — the Kentucky Derby Festival — and we look forward to being with them every step of the way, from training season to race day.”
“Norton Sports Health is excited to team up with the Kentucky Derby Festival to power this incredible training program,” said Tiff L. Haub, M.S., ATC, director of Norton Sports Health. “For more than 150 years, the Kentucky Derby has been woven into the fabric of Louisville, and these races are a true celebration of that spirit. As both training program sponsor and race-day medical partner, our team is ready to help every runner train strong, stay healthy, and cross the finish line with pride.”
Registration is also open for the 2026 Humana miniMarathon and Marathon at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com. 2026 will mark the 53rd run of the miniMarathon, and the Marathon will celebrate its 25th run. The race is Saturday, April 25. More information is available at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com, along with FAQs to help answer questions about the 2026 event.
Norton Sports Health is the Title Sponsor of the Training Program, as well as the Official Medical Provider & Training Partner for the mini and Marathon. Race Sponsor: Humana. Contributing Sponsor: Swags Sport Shoes. Media Sponsor 99.7 DJX.
