Aug. 21, 2014 Louisville, KY. – The partnership between Kentucky’s two largest half-marathons returns for runners in 2015. The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon presented by Walmart and HumanaVitality in Louisville and Lexington’s RunTheBluegrass Half-Marathon presented by John’s Run/Walk Shop joined forces last year to create the Kentucky Half Classic, encouraging runners to participate in both events.
“It’s a unique partnership between the two largest half marathons in Kentucky,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Over 1,000 runners participated in 2014, we hope even more will join us this year.”
Lexington’s RunTheBluegrass, set for Saturday, March 28, starts and finishes on Keeneland Race Course and takes runners through picturesque thoroughbred farms like Donamire Farm, Stonestreet Farm and Calumet. The Derby Festival’s minimarathon scheduled for April 25, takes runners past landmarks like Louisville Slugger and Museum Row on Main, as well as through historic Churchill Downs.
Runners who complete both races will not only receive a commemorative finisher’s medal, but will also have exclusive access to Half Classic photo opportunities and designated food and beverage areas after each race.
“You combine the best of both worlds when you combine Lexington’s Thoroughbred Farms and Louisville’s historical sites – it’s a great Kentucky experience,” said Eric Patrick Marr, RunTheBluegrass Race Director. “It’s a must-do racing destination.”
Registration is now open for both races. For more information and to register, go to www.DerbyFestivalMarathon.com or www.RunTheBluegrass.org.
Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single-attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.
RunTheBluegrass is organized by The LeXenomics Group in Lexington, established in 2010. LeXenomics regularly hosts events to help new ideas spread throughout Central Kentucky.
