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Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend

Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend

Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon: a historic spring road race through Louisville's neighborhoods and Churchill Downs.

Race Date

Apr 23, 2027

Location

Louisville, KY

Runner Favorite83

Quick facts

Date
Friday, April 23, 2027
Location
Louisville, Kentucky
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, KDF Race Challenge 5K & Humana minMarathon, KDF Race Challenge 5K & Humana Marathon
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
153,758

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Big Crowd EnergyParty FinishSpectator SupportGreat Post RaceGreat Swag

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

Now in its 53rd year, the Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon is a Louisville tradition that draws nearly 6,200 finishers from 47 states each spring. Nearly 40% of runners return year after year, drawn by a course that showcases the city's character and a finish-line party that lives up to the Derby Festival name.

The race starts at Louisville Slugger Field in downtown Louisville and winds through a series of distinctive neighborhoods before a highlight: a run through the infield of historic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. The course is flat and fast, making it a popular choice for first-timers and PR seekers alike. The finish line at the festival grounds greets runners with family, friends, and a lively post-race celebration.

Typical race-day weather ranges from 47°F to 67°F, with low precipitation and a light breeze. The event is the largest single day of road racing in Kentucky, and its combination of urban scenery, community support, and Derby spirit makes it a destination-worthy spring race.

Race-provided description

The Humana Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon & Marathon is a long-standing tradition held every spring in Kentucky. It has become the largest annual day of road racing in the state. As 2026 marks the 53rd annual miniMarathon and 25th annual Marathon, the Festival looks forward to another historic event. Participants will start at Louisville Slugger Field in downtown Louisville and run through numerous neighborhoods, experiencing all aspects of our wonderful city, including a run through the infield of historic Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. Then cross the finish line where they will be greeted by family and friends for our post-race party! Back for 2026 is the Kentucky Derby Festival 5K presented by First Urology, taking place on Friday, April 24th at 7pm. This race, which debuted in 2025, is an exciting addition to the Race Weekend and also gives runners the opportunity to complete the KDF Race Challenge by completing the 5K on Friday, then either the mini or Marathon on Saturday for a 3rd medal! Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in our virtual race, which will allow runners who cannot join us in Louisville to complete the mini or full marathon wherever is convenient for them.

Logistics

Race Day

Friday, April 23, 2027

Start Time

7:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

City of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40203

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles3.1 Miles13.1 MilesKDF Race Challenge 5K & Humana minMarathonKDF Race Challenge 5K & Humana Marathon

Quality Score

Runner Favorite83
Methodology
Heritage20/20

26 years running

Size15/15

~6,173 finishers a year

Momentum1/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

37% returning runners

Course & details8/15

5 timing sources · 4 photos

National draw10/10

runners from 43 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:02:12

Weather5/10

typical high 67°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

47°

Afternoon (High)

67°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

68%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 153,758 finishers actually crossed the line across 21 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

153,758

Median time

2:22:26

Latest turnout

4,141

States

51

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:00p50 median ≈ 2:107:30

Turnout by year

20182026

'18'19'21'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend?

The Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend is held on Friday, April 23, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.

Where does the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend take place?

It takes place in Louisville, Kentucky.

What distances does the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles, 13.1 Miles, KDF Race Challenge 5K & Humana minMarathon, KDF Race Challenge 5K & Humana Marathon.

Is the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend course flat and good for a PR?

The Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend?

HalfRuns has finish records for 153,758 runners who have completed the Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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