Kentucky Derby 2024 Marathon and Mini Marathon
The 2024 running of the 150th Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 4, 2024. But, prior to that, the Louisville metro area plays host to the Kentucky Derby Festival for two weeks. The event includes everything from fireworks, music, and balloon races to a mini and full marathon.
The marathons date back to the 1970s with a course that weaves through the streets of Louisville. The highlight of the event for many runners is the fact that the course also includes the inner concrete track located inside Churchill Downs. As they complete their run through the venue they will only be a few yards away from the famed dirt track that is the home to the Kentucky Derby.
What time does the minimarathon/marathon start in Louisville?
The miniMarathon and Marathon officially start at 7:00 am EDT (Louisville Slugger Field) 2:00 pm EDT: The course will close at Lynn Family Stadium (6-hour time limit).
The 2024 Kentucky Derby MiniMarahon and Marathon are set for Saturday, April 27, 2024, prior to the running of the Kentucky Derby. The event also includes a relay option for teams consisting of 3 to 5 runners. Combined, the three events – Marathon, MiniMarathon, and Relay – combine to become the largest road race in the state of Kentucky.
What are Marathon Fees?
- Virtual Registration costs $50.
- miniMarathon costs $95 (13.1 Miles) race, Join 12+ Ages.
- Marathon costs $105 (26.2 Miles) race Join 14+ Ages.
How to Registration Kentucky Derby Marathon?
Fans can participate in the 2024 Kentucky Derby Marathon and mini Marathon running from Louisville on April 27, 2024. Registration is available on derbyfestivalmarathon.com
Running for a Cause
The Kentucky Derby MiniMarathon and Marathon are both fundraisers for the Kentucky Derby Foundation. According to the Foundation, since 2005, more than two million dollars have been raised for charities that are both local to the Lousiville area as well as some that are national. Many marathon runners use their efforts as a way to raise money and awareness for causes that they support individually.
The Foundation combines its efforts with the effort put in by the runners. Some of the charities supported include the following.
- Adelante Hispanic Achievers
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana
- Catholic Charities – Bakhita Empowerment Initiative
- JDRF | Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- Kid’s Cancer Alliance
- Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana
A complete list of supported charities can be found on the Kentucky Derby Foundation website.
Tracking your Runner
Both marathons utilize a tracking app that allows a participant’s loved ones, fans, or donors, the ability to track their location on the course as well as their speed and distance to the finish. The technology is often used at marathons across the world.
Marathon Information
Registration: January 1, 2023, Also, 250 runners that miss the deadline will have the opportunity to pick up one of 250 “Charity Bibs” for the Marathon or minimarathon. Proceeds go to the foundation’s charity list. The 250 bibs are available at the Race Expo & Packet Pick-Up on a first-come, first-serve basis. Date:
Date: Both marathons are set for April 27th, 2024.
Length: The marathon is 26.2 miles while the minimarathon is 13.1 miles
Who can run for Marathon/miniMarathon?
Only the first 1500 registered runners can run for the event.
Time/Pace: There is a 6-hour course limit for the Marathon and Relay, and a 4-hour course limit for the miniMarathon. All Marathon participants must maintain a 13:45 minute per mile. All MiniMarathon participants must maintain a 15:00 minute mile.