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Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K

Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K

Wendell Foster Half Marathon: flat, fast Owensboro course with a mission of inclusion.

Race Date

Mar 20, 2027

Location

Owensboro, KY

Standout75

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Location
Owensboro, Kentucky
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, 5K, 5K: Push-Rim
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
3,079

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBeginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell OrganizedWell Supported

Course

Fast FlatScenic Route

The Experience

Now in its eighth year, the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K offers a flat, fast course along Owensboro’s Ohio Riverfront and historic downtown. Runners from some 15 states gather for a professionally supported race that’s become a beloved community tradition—about 43% of participants return year after year. Recent field sizes range from ~556 to over 1,000 finishers, and the course’s forgiving profile (just two modest hills) makes it a prime spot for personal bests.

The route opens on city streets before diving into the Green Belt, a pleasant wooded stretch that provides a brief respite from the urban scene. River views and charming downtown architecture keep the scenery engaging throughout. Aid stations are plentiful, and full road closures ensure a safe, uninterrupted run. The half-marathon carries a 3-hour-45-minute time limit, welcoming first-timers alongside veterans chasing a fast time.

Finisher medals await everyone who crosses the line, and the post-race vibe is warm and purposeful. The event raises funds for Wendell Foster, empowering people with disabilities—so each stride supports a meaningful cause. With its efficient organization, flat terrain, and strong community spirit, this race punches well above its weight for a small-city half.

Race-provided description

The race will begin at 7:00 AM (Central Time), and the Half Marathon course time limit is 3 hours, 45 minutes. The eighth annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, features a flat, fast course through Owensboro’s riverfront and historic downtown. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, tackling your first 13.1, or enjoying a 5K with friends or family, you’ll experience a professionally supported race while making a difference in your community! Why We Race The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K is a community event that brings participants of all abilities together to promote inclusion. Hosted by Wendell Foster, the race raises funds and awareness to empower people with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives. What to Expect Flat, fast, scenic courseFull and partial road closures for safetyAid stations along the routeProfessionally chip-timed racesFinisher medals for all who complete the coursePrize money for top finishers in the Half Marathon and 5KAge group awards for the Half Marathon and 5KDuo Team awards for top finishers in the Half Marathon and 5K Key Details The race will begin at 7:00 AM (Central Time)Half Marathon time limit: 3 hours, 45 minutesParticipants must be 12 or older on race day to register for Half Marathon or Push-Rim Divisions No age restrictions apply to 5K, Steps Division, or Duo Team participants

 Start your spring with purpose and join us on March 20, 2027, as we race toward a more inclusive community!

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, March 20, 2027

Start Time

7:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

Smothers Park, Owensboro, KY, 42303

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Urban, Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

13.1 Miles5K5K: Push-Rim

Quality Score

Standout75
Methodology
Heritage12/20

6 years running

Size15/15

~1,082 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

43% returning runners

Course & details3/15

7 timing sources

National draw7/10

runners from 15 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:06:53

Weather8/10

typical high 63°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

43°

Afternoon (High)

63°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.2"

Precipitation

14 mph

Wind

65%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 3,079 finishers actually crossed the line across 6 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

3,079

Median time

2:08:24

Latest turnout

556

States

25

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:059:25

Turnout by year

20192026

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

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K?

The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K is held on Saturday, March 20, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.

Where does the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K take place?

It takes place in Owensboro, Kentucky.

What distances does the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, 5K, 5K: Push-Rim.

Is the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?

The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 3,079 runners who have completed the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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