April 24, 2017. Louisville, KY.   – Registration is now closed for the 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and miniMarathon presented by Walmart and Humana set for this Saturday, April 29. There will be no late registration. But, race organizers will offer 250 “Charity Bibs” for runners who missed the registration deadline.

The bibs – which allow entry into either the Marathon or miniMarathon – cost $125, with proceeds going to the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, the Derby Festival’s charitable arm. The Charity Bibs will only be available at the Race Expo and Packet Pick-up on April 27-28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in the West Wing. The bibs will be first-come, first-served starting at 4 p.m. on April 27. The Charity Bibs are tax-deductible.

“The Marathon and miniMarathon marks the largest annual day of road racing in Kentucky,” said Shanna Ward, Race Director.  “We need to close registration several days prior to the event to ensure we have the infrastructure and amenities in place to support all the runners.”

The races will start simultaneously at 7:30 a.m. at Main and Brook streets and will finish at Preston and Witherspoon streets, just outside the entrance to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront. The course showcases the unique architecture on Main Street, including the Museum Row attractions. Runners in both races will still run a lap inside the infield at Churchill Downs racetrack and will pass by Central Park and the St. James Court neighborhood.  Marathon runners pass through the Marathon Gateway Presented by Humana at the race split after Churchill Downs.

This year marks the Kentucky Derby Festival’s 16th Annual Marathon and 44th Annual miniMarathon presented by Walmart and Humana.  Preparations for the largest day of road racing in Kentucky begin today and continue through the week.

Monday, April 24:

• 3:30 PM – 5 PM: Volunteers will gather at duPont Manual High School to label the bibs for all the runners participating in this year’s marathon and mini.

Tuesday, April 25:

• 3:30 PM – 5 PM: Volunteers will gather at duPont Manual High School to label the bibs for all the runners participating in this year’s marathon and mini.
• 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Volunteers will be marking the course. (To coordinate specific times and locations, please contact Chad Waggoner at 502-338-9479)

Wednesday, April 26:

• Noon – 5 PM: Over 100 vendors begin their load-in at the Race Expo and Packet Pick-up at the Kentucky Exposition Center, West Wing.

Thursday, April 27:

• 8 AM – 4 PM: Vendors continue load-in at the Race Expo and Packet Pick-up at the Kentucky Exposition Center, West Wing.
• 4 PM – 8 PM: Race Expo and Packet Pick-up opens at the Kentucky Exposition Center, West Wing.

Friday, April 28:

• 9 AM: Finish Line Set-up begins at Preston & Witherspoon Streets and will continue throughout the day.
• 11AM – 9 PM: Race Expo and Packet Pick-up at the Kentucky Exposition Center, West Wing.
• 5:30 PM – 8:30: PM Running Wild Pasta Party at the Kentucky Exposition Center, West Wing.

Saturday, April 29:

• 7:25 AM:  Wheelchair Division starts on Main Street at Brook Street.
• 7:30 AM:  Both races start on Main Street at Brook Street.
• 8:15 AM – 8:45 AM: First finishers of Wheelchair Division and miniMarathoners expected to cross finish line.
• 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: First finishers of Marathon Division expected to cross finish line.

Walmart and Humana are Co-Presenting Sponsors of the Marathon and miniMarathon. The Official Race Medical Partner is Norton Sports Health and Contributing Sponsors are BB&T, Churchill Downs, Louisville Water Company, Powerade, and The Courier-Journal. Official Bourbon: Jim Beam®. Official Hotel: The Galt House. Official Pace Car: John Jones Auto Group.