Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon

Registration is open, so no lottery is required in most years. Entry opens by announcement in June the year before the race and stays open until the field is full. A charity program is also available if you want to fundraise your way to a bib.

Yes, the course is Boston-qualifying and USATF-certified. About 5 percent of finishers have historically hit a Boston qualifying time, so it is achievable but not automatic, especially given the rolling terrain.

The loop course has roughly 500 feet of gain and a nearly equal amount of loss, finishing with a net elevation change close to zero. The terrain is consistently rolling rather than flat, so expect gradual ups and downs throughout the race rather than one big climb.

The time limit is 6 hours.

Conditions in Louisville in late April average a low around 49°F and a high near 70°F on race day. Mornings can feel pleasant at the gun, but temperatures can climb through the second half of the race. Dressing in layers you can shed early and staying ahead on hydration are both smart moves.

Recent editions have had around 1,500 marathon finishers, making it a mid-size race with enough participants to feel festive without the logistics headaches of the largest marathons.

The Galt House is the official race hotel and sits right on the riverfront near the start area at Louisville Slugger Field. Most downtown Louisville hotels are within walking distance of the start, which makes race morning logistics simple.