Overview
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.
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon 2027 race day
The next Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 24 April 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon course route
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.
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon elevation profile
The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs 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.
Entry requirements
For the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, the marathon is held in April, typically two weeks before the Kentucky Derby. Registration is at https://www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com/.
Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
GDL: Kentucky Derby Festival previews their upcoming 'mini marathon
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon elevation profile?
- The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon?
- The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Kentucky Derby Festival centre near Waterfront Park.
- What time does the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon start?
- The 2027 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Saturday, 24 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.derbyfestivalmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Derby Festival Marathon pass Churchill Downs?
- Yes. Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, is a centrepiece landmark on the course during Derby Festival season.
- Is the Louisville marathon hilly?
- Cherokee Park and the Ohio River valley add rolling terrain with moderate climbs. It is hillier than flat Midwest marathons.
- What is the Derby Festival atmosphere like?
- The two-week Kentucky Derby Festival includes fireworks, steamboat races, and Pegasus Parade events. The marathon is the endurance centrepiece of the celebration.
- What weather should I expect in Louisville in April?
- April in Louisville is mild spring weather, often 10–20 °C (50–68 °F). Derby season weather can be unpredictable.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
