Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon

Mild 54°F temps at gun time mean comfortable early miles without overheating risk. Temps will climb significantly to 69°F by later miles, so expect fading conditions as the race progresses. Light winds shouldn't be a major factor for pacing. There's a chance of rain, so have a backup gear plan ready.

Race day forecast available in 183 days

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Distance: 26.2mi

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Race Info

The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon starts in downtown Louisville on Main Street and finishes near Preston and Witherspoon streets, close to the waterfront. Runners pass through Old Louisville, the scenic Olmsted Park System, and get a unique chance to run through Churchill Downs. The 42.195 kilometer course presents moderate elevation changes, with noteworthy hills in Iroquois Park.

Website

Race weekend

Saturday, April 24

7:00 AMMarathon (26.2 mi)

Marathon Relay (26.2 mi)

Mini Marathon (13.1 mi)

Course Map

FAQ

When is the 2027 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon?

The 2027 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon will be held on Saturday April 24, 2027.

Is the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon a Boston Marathon Qualifier?

Yes, the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is an official Boston Marathon qualifier.

What is the time limit for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon?

The time limit for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon is 8 hours.

What will the weather be like for the 2027 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon?

The forecast calls for a high of 71°F and a low of 51°F with a 14% chance of rain. Check our detailed hourly forecast above for the best marathon race plan.

Historical Weather

Based on 29 years of data

Avg Temp

58°F

L:54° H:62°

RunScore

Conditions

Rain Freq

24%

7 of 29 yrs

Wind8mph

Dew47°F

Temperature History

Range of temperatures during race hours for each year.

Detailed History

Year	Low / High	Rain	Dew Point
2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2026	58°/65°	-	59°
2025 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with early morning rain. 2025	53°/55°	-	46°
2024 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2024	70°/72°	-	57°
2023 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2023	48°/58°	-	49°
2022 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with late afternoon rain. 2022	61°/74°	-	53°
2021 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with rain. 2021	53°/53°	Light	41°
2020 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain. 2020	52°/63°	-	51°
2019 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain. 2019	49°/63°	-	38°
2018 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 2018	54°/57°	-	38°
2017 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain clearing later. 2017	66°/69°	Light	65°
2016 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with rain. 2016	59°/61°	Light	54°
2015 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with a chance of rain throughout the day. 2015	51°/53°	Light	47°
2014 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2014	50°/66°	-	41°
2013 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with late afternoon rain. 2013	53°/56°	-	44°
2012 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain. 2012	52°/59°	-	41°
2011 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2011	52°/66°	-	46°
2010 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Cloudy skies throughout the day with a chance of rain throughout the day. 2010	61°/68°	Light	61°
2009 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2009	71°/78°	-	53°
2008 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain clearing later. 2008	54°/57°	Light	48°
2007 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2007	56°/67°	-	49°
2006 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain. 2006	55°/59°	Light	43°
2005 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day with early morning rain. 2005	48°/50°	-	46°
2004 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2004	54°/63°	-	51°
2003 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 2003	45°/63°	-	39°
2002 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2002	50°/57°	-	38°
2001 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 2001	48°/71°	-	43°
1999 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 1999	46°/52°	-	36°
1998 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Partly cloudy throughout the day. 1998	63°/69°	-	53°
1988 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon Clear conditions throughout the day. 1988	46°/61°	-	30°