Kentucky Derby Festival 5K

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2025 will mark the inaugural Kentucky Derby Festival 5K, kicking off a full weekend of racing with the traditional GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon on Saturday, April 26!

“The Kentucky Derby Festival 5K will offer a unique experience race weekend with an evening run over the Ohio River just before sunset,” said Chris Martini, Kentucky Derby Festival Race Director. “Festival fans and families at all fitness levels can participate. It’s also an opportunity for runners to get a warm-up in ahead of their half or full the next day.”

The 5K will start at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Participants will run a looped course that starts and finishes at Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park and includes a lap on the Big 4 Bridge. The 5K is open to participants age 10 and up. All 5K Participants will receive a medal and shirt.

Looking for a challenge? Complete the 5K AND GE Appliances miniMarathon or Marathon to receive a special challenge medal to commemorate both runs!

The registration fee is $45.

When is the 5K?  

Friday, April 25 at 7pm  

 

What is the course for the 5K? 

The 5K course will start and finish at Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park and take runners across the Big Four Bridge. 

 

How do I register for the 5K ?

You can register now by heading to our RunSignUp registration page HERE 

 

Will you offer refunds for registration? 

We encourage you to take advantage of the following options for normal race occurrences:   

  1. PURCHASE RACE INSURANCE THROUGH REGSHIELD – Race day insurance is offered through RegShield and has to be purchased at the time of registration.   

To File a Claim: Use the policy number you received when you completed your insurance purchase to make the claim HERE.   

*For all questions about your Insurance policy, please contact RegShield.   

 

  1. RACE BIB TRANSFER: You will have the option to transfer your race bib to another runner of your choosing for a $20 transfer fee. This must be done by April 11, 2025. 

 To edit or transfer your race registration: Log into your RunSignUp account. Go to your “Profile” page, click the “My Registered Races” and view a list of your registrations separated by race, event,  date  and registrant. Next to each registrant, you will be able to “View/Edit Registration,” which is where you will need to go to transfer your registration to another participant.   

 

Are there time limits for the course?  

This year’s course will close at 8:30 PM.

 

How do I get my Race Bib & Participant Shirt?  

We’ll have the Race Expo and Packet Pick-Up inside Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center on April 24 and 25. We’ll be sending more information about this in early Spring to the email you registered with. (We will also have more information here and on our social media channels). 

 

What is the KDF Race Challenge? 

Runners who complete both the Kentucky Derby Festival 5K and the GE Appliances miniMarathon or Marathon will receive a 3rd medal to commemorate this accomplishment 

 

How do I Register for the KDF Race Challenge?  

  • If you are already registered for the GE Appliances miniMarathon or Marathon, all you need to do is register for the 5K and you will be able to see you are registered for both events 
  • If you are not yet registered, please sign up using the KDF Race Challenge Button.

 

Where do I park on race day? 

Street parking is available near the Start and Finish Line areas. There are also multiple surface lots in the vicinity as well.