Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend 2027

The Kentucky Derby Festival 5K takes runners across the Big Four Bridge over the Ohio River on a Friday evening, marking the start of Kentucky Derby Festival Race Weekend in Louisville. The 5K begins at 7 p.m. from Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park. The traditional miniMarathon and Marathon are scheduled for the following day. This race was added more recently to the weekend, designed as a shorter option for families, festival visitors, and runners seeking a warm-up before longer events. The 5K follows a loop course starting and ending at Harbor Lawn, featuring a section on the Big Four Bridge, which serves as the race's most distinctive local landmark. Participants must be at least 10 years old. The event accommodates various fitness levels, not exclusively competitive racers. All 5K finishers receive a shirt and medal. Runners completing the 5K and either the miniMarathon or Marathon are awarded a special challenge medal for participating in both.