LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In preparation for one of Derby season's signature events, runners participating in the Derby Festival's miniMarathon and Marathon can pick up their race packets Thursday, April 25 or Friday, April 26 at Freedom Hall for the Race Expo and Packet Pick-Up. 

The Derby Festival said it expects more than 10,000 people to attend the two-day expo, which will be open 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday. Visitors will need to enter Gate 1 or 4.

Interested participants who have yet to register for either event can still do so until 5 p.m. Friday, with late registration costing $135 for the miniMarathon and $150 for the marathon.

Along with packet pick-up, the festival said the Race Expo will showcase the latest health and fitness products, athletic apparel, shoes and accessories. Swags Sport Shoes and other vendors will offer race day gear, and visitors can check out the official Derby Festival Race Day Merchandise Shop. Runners can also participate in assisted stretch and pre-race bodywork, pick up a 2024 race magnet and enjoy sampling and tasting opportunities, the festival added.

Runners staying at any downtown hotel can take advantage of Trolley de Ville's free shuttle service Friday from 1 p.m.-6 p.m. The Derby Festival said shuttles will leave the Galt House Hotel at the top of every hour.

The Race Expo is the only opportunity for miniMarathon and marathon participants to collect their packets, as there is no packet pick-up on race day.

Both races start Saturday, April 27 at 7 a.m. on Main Street, near Slugger Field, and finish on Adams Street, just outside Lynn Family Stadium. All runners will receive a rose after crossing the finish line, the Derby Festival said.

2024 marks the 51st miniMarathon and the 23rd run of the marathon. More information can be found on the Derby Festival Marathon website.