FAQs

Who Can Participate? 

Only those age 21 and over may participate in the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon and 5K. You must be at least 21 years old on Oct. 17, 2026, to register. There is no race-day registration.

What time does the race start?

The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon begins at 8 a.m. ET.; the Urban Bourbon 5K begins at 8:30 a.m.

How do I register?

Register online at our secure site by clicking the Registration tab. Online registration closes at midnight on Oct. 16, 2026. Remember – there are no refunds.

Is there a capacity limit (cap) on the races?

This year’s Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is capped at 2,600 participants. The Urban Bourbon 5K is capped at 600 participants.

May walkers participate in the Half Marathon?

Yes, walkers may participate but must maintain an 18:00 minute/mile pace. The course closes at 12 p.m. and services may not be available after that time.

Where is the Start Line?

S. 6th and W. Main Streets in downtown Louisville, Ky.

Where is the Finish Line?

S. 4th Street between Jefferson and Liberty Streets in downtown Louisville, Ky.

Where is the Urban Bourbon Bash? 

The Urban Bourbon Bash will be held at Fourth Street Live! from 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. featuring live music by the Louisville Crashers. Half Marathon participants receive bourbon samples, beer, pizza and soup as part of their registration cost. Our 5K participants can purchase a discounted wristband ($20) at packet pickup or on race morning to enjoy the same perks.

Where do I get my race packet?

Packet pickup will be held on Friday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field (401 E. Main St). Valid photo ID that shows date of birth (e.g., driver’s license or student ID) is required.

Can someone else pick up my packet for me?

Yes, someone can pick up your race bib and shirt at Friday’s packet pickup but must have a copy of your ID or race registration confirmation.

Can I pick up my packet on race day?

Yes. There will be a dedicated location adjacent to Gear Check for race‑day packet pickup. You can select this option during your race registration. Price is $50 per person; pickup is available between 6 – 7:30 a.m. on race morning.

Are headphones, iPods or MP3 players permitted?

Yes. You may wear headphones, but please keep the volume at a reasonable level for your safety and courtesy to fellow participants. You should still be able to hear nearby runners and volunteers.

Do I need to return the chip?

No. We use disposable chips that are attached to bibs.

Are strollers or pets allowed?

No. Strollers and pets are not permitted on the Half Marathon course.

What is Kentucky’s temperature like in October?

According to weather.com, the average high is 70°F; average low is 49°F.

Where should I park?

Parking garages, surface lots and street parking are available. Note: parking meters are monitored on Saturdays. Click here to view a map with surface lots and parking garages.

Will there be hydration stations on the course?

Yes, there are 6 hydration stations along the course serving Louisville Pure Tap® water. Stations 2, 4 and 6 also serve Powerade.

Do I receive a medal?

Yes, all Half Marathon and 5K finishers receive a medal.

What will I receive for participating?

All participants will receive a long‑sleeve shirt and a finisher medal. Hydration and medical stations will be available along the course. At the finish line, runners and walkers can enjoy trail mix, snack bars, bottled water and Powerade. In addition, all registrants have access to the Urban Bourbon Bash (see above).

Is there a place to keep my keys and extra clothes?

Yes, gear check will be available near the start and finish lines.

Is bib-swapping permitted?

Yes, bibs can be swapped until Oct. 12, 2026 ($25 fee). Log into your RunSignUp account, go to “Profile” > “My Registered Races” > “View/Edit” > “Transfer to Another Runner.”

Can I defer my registration?

Yes, you can defer your registration until Oct. 12, 2026 ($25 fee). Log into your RunSignUp account, go to “Profile” > “My Registered Races” > “View/Edit” > “Defer.”

How can I track a participant?

You can track a participant using the free RUNFARUSA tracker link or app.  Click HERE to download the tracker link through a browser; click HERE to download the tracker link app.

Is there a penalty for giving my bib to another runner on race day?

Yes. Any participant who runs under someone else’s bib will be disqualified and not scored. For safety reasons and in case of a medical emergency, the registration data must match the runner wearing the bib. If organizers discover that a bib has been used by someone other than the registered participant, both the runner and the original registrant will be banned from future Louisville Sports Commission events for a minimum of two years.

When is the last day to register?

The last day to register online for the Half Marathon and 5K is Oct. 16, 2026. You may also register in person on October 17 at packet pick‑up for $110 (cash only). There is no race‑day registration.

How can I see if I’m registered?

Click the Registration link to visit the RunSignUp page, then select “Find a Participant” in the left-hand column. From there, you can search for your registration.

Do you offer a military discount?

Yes. Active U.S. military members, veterans, and first responders — including medical professionals — receive 10 percent off race registration. To claim the discount, email a copy of your DD214 or other proof of service to info@louisvillesports.org. You will then receive a code to register at the discounted rate.

What types of wheelchairs are allowed?

Push-rim style only.

Are there restrooms on the Half Marathon course?

Yes. Restrooms, typically porta‑potties, will be available near the start line and at all water stations along the Half Marathon course. Volunteers at each water stop can direct you to the nearest restroom.

How do I get my results?

Results are available online immediately after the race. Click HERE.

What are the awards for the age group winners?

The top overall male, female and non‑binary winners will each receive a custom bourbon barrel head. The top three male and female finishers in every age group will receive a custom bourbon‑themed award. Age groups are 21–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, and 75 & over. Only registered participants are eligible to receive awards.

Road Closures

W. Main Street (8th St. to 4th St.) 5:30 – 8:45 am
W. Main Street (8th St. to Preston St.) 7:50 – 8:45 am
Preston St. (Main St. to E. Witherspoon St.) 7:50 – 11:40 am
E. Witherspoon St. (Preston to Adams) 8 – 11:40 am
Adams St. (E. Witherspoon St. to Story Ave.) 8 – 11:40 am
Spring St. (Story Ave. to Lexington Rd.) 8:10 – 11:40 am
Lexington Rd. (S. Spring St. to Ledge Rd.) 8 – 11:40 am
Ledge Rd. (Lexington Rd. to Scenic Loop) 8 – 11:40 am
Scenic Loop (Ledge Rd. to Barrett Hill Rd.) 8:00 – 10 am
Barrett Hill Rd. (Scenic Loop to Park Boundary Rd.) 8 – 10:30 am
Park Boundary Rd. (Barret Hill Rd. to Beargrass Rd.) 8 – 10:50 am
Beargrass Rd. (Park Boundary Rd. to Scenic Loop) 8 – 11:10 am
Cochran Hill Rd. (Scenic Loop to Under I-64) 8 – 11:20 am
Scenic Loop (Beargrass Rd. to Ledge Rd.) 8 – 11:30 am
E. Witherspoon St. (Adams St. to W River Rd.) 8 – 11:45 am
W. River Rd. (E Witherspoon St. to 4th St.) 8 – 11:55 am
4th St. (W. River Rd. to W. Jefferson St.) 8 am – 12 pm

*These times are estimates. Streets could be re-opened earlier and will coincide with 18-minute mile pace reopenings based off last participant crossing the start line.

What is the cancellation policy?

Sorry, there are NO refunds for cancellations.