
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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
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
Quality Score
Standout756 years running
~1,082 finishers a year
growing or steady
43% returning runners
7 timing sources
runners from 15 states
winner 1:06:53
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2019–2026
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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