August 29, 2017. Louisville, KY. – Registration for the 2018 Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon presented by Walmart and Humana opens online at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com on Tuesday, September 12, at 9:00 a.m. EST. New this year, the Festival is kicking off registration with 24 hours of deals which include: the lowest prices of the season, new VIP upgrades and exclusive apparel. Plus, the Festival has created a new Race Referral Program which could earn runners free registration for next year’s event.

Said Shanna Ward, Race Director, “Being one of the first to register on September 12, will not only guarantee your spot in the race, but will also get you the lowest rates and best deals.”

• Registration will open at $55 for the miniMarathon and $65 for the Marathon. Only a limited number of spots will be available at that price point. The price will increase throughout the first 24 hours as more people register. Only 1,000 spots are available that first day.
• In those first 24 hours, runners will also have the opportunity to upgrade to a new VIP Experience for 2018, which includes: early access to the Race Expo & Packet Pick-up; access to private restrooms and changing area at the Finish Line; and VIP Finish Line Hospitality with complimentary massages, food, Jim Beam Bar and featured cocktail, and unique photo opportunities. (Limited VIP tickets available.)
• Plus, the Derby Festival is offering exclusive race apparel for purchase at discounted prices in limited quantities that first 24 hours.

It also pays to have friends for this year’s road races. The Festival is implementing a new Race Referral Program. After registering, each runner receives a special link to share on social media. If their friends register using that link, the runner will earn credit back toward their registration fee at a rate of $25 per 5 runner referrals (up to $75 maximum refund).

The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon is still the largest annual day of road racing in Kentucky. 2018 races are set for Saturday, April 28, and will mark the 45th annual miniMarathon and 17th annual Marathon. Both races will start simultaneously at 7:30 am on Main Street near Slugger Field and will finish at Preston and Witherspoon streets.

Walmart and Humana are Co-Presenting Sponsors of the miniMarathon and Marathon. 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.