Next race
Saturday, 24 April 2027
7:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 150 m gain
150 m climbing
Race profile
The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers each April through Louisville in the lead-up to the famous horse race. The course passes Churchill Downs, the Ohio River waterfront, and the Cherokee Park loop on rolling Kentucky terrain. April's Derby-season atmosphere and the mini-marathon tradition make it one of America's most festive spring marathons.
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 2,200 finishers
Course & terrain
The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at the Kentucky Derby Festival centre near Waterfront Park. The loop passes Churchill Downs, the Ohio River waterfront, and Cherokee Park. Flatter corridors and river valleys offer the easiest miles, while the moderate climbs through hills, bridges, or bluffs are the tougher sections once fatigue builds. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.
The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Rolling · 150 m gain — approx. 142 m above sea level
↑ 150 m · ↓ 140 m · net +10 m
Registration
For the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, the marathon is held in April, typically two weeks before the Kentucky Derby. Registration is at https://kdf.org/.
Getting there
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
10 km / 6 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Louisville.
The Cape Cod Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Falmouth, United States. Its autumn timing captures Cape scenery after summer crowds fade. The route passes sea inlets, cranberry-country roads, and breezy sections with Buzzards Bay views. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
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The Flying Pig Marathon is Cincinnati's beloved spring race, drawing about 10,000 finishers through the city's seven hills and across the Ohio River. Named for Cincinnati's pork-industry heritage, the Pig features enthusiastic local crowds, a tour of downtown, Eden Park, and the riverfront, and a finish festival at Sawyer Point. May weather and rolling terrain make it a challenging but festive Midwest marathon.
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The Indianapolis Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Indianapolis, United States. The course starts and finishes at Monument Circle. The route passes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway area and the Canal Walk. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
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The Carmel Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April on a suburban road in Carmel, United States. It is notable for how smoothly the course runs through Carmel's distinctive roundabout network. The route passes Monon Trail-adjacent streets, roundabout-lined boulevards, and manicured suburban neighborhoods. The course is very flat throughout.
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The Nashville Marathon draws approximately 3,800 finishers on an urban road in Nashville, United States. The course starts and finishes at Nissan Stadium. The route passes Broadway, Music Row, and Belle Meade Boulevard. Hilly with a long climb on Belle Meade in the second half.
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The Columbus Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Columbus, United States. The course starts and finishes at North Bank Park (311 W Long St). The route passes the Ohio Statehouse, Short North, Ohio State University, German Village, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
