HalfRuns
The Wildcat @ General Butler

The Wildcat @ General Butler

The Wildcat @ General Butler trails through history with river views.

Race Date

Oct 3, 2026

Location

Carrollton, KY

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location
Carrollton, Kentucky
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 20K
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Hidden Gem

Atmosphere

Low KeyWell Supported

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Wildcat @ General Butler is a trail half marathon that winds through the woods and along the lake of General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, Kentucky. This small, low-key event is hosted by Wolf Pack Running, known for their well-supported trail experiences across the Midwest. Runners tackle a loop course on dirt trails, passing the historic Butler-Turpin House and catching glimpses of the Ohio River valley.

The route is relatively flat and forgiving, making it a solid choice for first-time trail runners or those seeking a relaxed long run. The park's namesake, General William O. Butler, adds a layer of local history, and the finish line features a supportive community atmosphere. With other distances like a 5K, 10K, and a 20K relay, the event caters to a range of abilities.

Post-race, participants can explore the park's lodge, campground, and lake, or take a guided tour of the Butler-Turpin House. The race is timed and certified, with aid stations along the course. For a low-key trail run in a scenic state park, this is a hidden gem worth discovering.

Race-provided description

Join the WOLF PACK for a trail 1/2 Marathon, 6 Hours of Power, 10K, 5K & 20K Relay in General Butler State Park! Enjoy the Overlook at sunset to see the confluence of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers. Come and run with us in the Ohio River valley! The General Butler State Resort Park is named for early American General William O. Butler of Kentucky, who fought in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. The park was built on the grounds of the Butler family farm, which was begun by General Butler’s father, Percival Butler, who fought in the Revolutionary War. Still standing is the Butler-Turpin House, which was built in 1859 for Mary Eleanor Butler, niece of General Butler, and her husband Philip Turpin. Today, the Butler-Turpin House is a museum open for guided tours, featuring pieces from the family’s history. The park also has a large lodge, campground, event center, and lake for visitors to explore. RACE PERMITTED UNDER SPECIAL USE AUTHORIZATION FROM GENERAL BUTLER STATE RESORT PARK

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Park, Lake River

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

5K10K20K

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details3/15

3 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather5/10

typical high 70°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

52°

Afternoon (High)

70°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.2"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

75%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the The Wildcat @ General Butler?

The The Wildcat @ General Butler is held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM.

Where does the The Wildcat @ General Butler take place?

It takes place in Carrollton, Kentucky.

What distances does the The Wildcat @ General Butler offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 20K.

Is the The Wildcat @ General Butler course flat and good for a PR?

The The Wildcat @ General Butler is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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