LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s just 113 days until the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

And that means it’s about fifteen weeks until the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Marathon, miniMarathon and Relay. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Kentucky Derby Festival's miniMarathon, Marathon and Relay is April 27

  • Norton Sports Health Training program is a free way to train for the race 

  • The route has been released 

  • The kick off event is Thursday, Jan. 11 at the Kentucky Derby Museum 

Close to 13,000 runners will head to the starting line on April 27 and the Norton Sports Health training program is one free option to help runners reach the finish line.

“We always approach this program as if it might be someone’s first program. They might be just coming off the couch, or just learning how to properly run or pace,” said Stephanie Fish. She’s the program manager for Norton Sprots Health’s training program, a fifteen-week course to help get runners of all levels ready to run the Kentucky Derby Festival’s miniMarathon and Marathon race.

“We prefer that everyone train for the full fifteen weeks of the Norton Sports Health training program. That will be sure to get you to the finish line, hopefully without injuries, and a smile on your face,” said Fish. 

More than 2,000 runners have already signed up for the free program online.

The kickoff event at the Kentucky Derby Museum Thursday night will give runners a look at the route of the race, a chance to talk with medical and nutritional experts and peak at the 2024 finisher medals.

“This year every runner is going to receive a rose just like the horses run for the roses. We have our medals commemorating the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby itself with a rose for our half marathon, full marathon, and our relay runners,” said Race Director Chris Martini. 

Fish will be leading training runs in different locations throughout Louisville on the Wednesdays and Saturdays leading up to the race.

She says her favorite part about the program is race day. 

“I am standing there at the finish line, I get to see those people who train with me for fifteen weeks, give them a giant hug and tell them congratulations and that really just gives me chills,” said Fish. 

The free program kick-off event is Thursday, Jan. 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

The first training is Saturday, Jan. 13 at 8 a.m. It will leave from the Swags Sport Shoes in Louisville’s Iroquois neighborhood. 

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