Spectator Information
Be part of a Scream Team!
Race organizers are literally breaking out the bells and whistles with this crowd support promotion for the Kentucky Derby Festival’s road races. Organized cheering sections – known as “Scream Teams” – will be situated at six locations along the marathon route. The locales will feature bleacher seating, a DJ playing recorded music and a tented area offering complimentary snacks and beverages. Spectators will be provided with motivational devices to inspire the runners, including the popular plastic ‘cheer sticks’. “Runners truly need all the support they can get,” said Chad Pickering, Derby Festival race director. “The goal is to have the Scream Teams do for certain Louisville neighborhoods what the crowds do in Chicago, New York and Boston. We hope the Scream Teams will go a long way toward providing that. We encourage neighbors and nearby businesses to have their employees come out and support these dedicated athletes. It’s amazing what a little vocal ‘pat on the back’ can do for a faltering runner.”
Spectators can cheer on the runners from the following Scream Team locations:
1) Race Split at 4th and Breckinridge Street
2) Breckinridge & Brook Street (on the south side of Brook, by old Male High School)
3) Eastern Parkway & Bardstown Road (in front of Qdoba & Fleet Feet)
4) Main St. & Baxter Ave. (on south side of Main in front of Lincoln Elementary)
5) 2nd St. & Main (cheer on runners as they cross the bridge and back)
Spectator Tips
- The best viewing area for the start of the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & miniMarathon is near Iroquois Manor Shopping Center. Arrive by 7 a.m. for the 7:30 start to give them a great send-off. Parking is available at both Iroquois High School and Desales High School. The best place to watch the runners cross the finish line is on Preston Street near Louisville Slugger Field. Parking is available at downtown garages and on the street. Arrive by 8 a.m. and stay in front of the finish line behind the fenced area. Limited bleacher seating will be available.
- To reunite with friends or family taking part in the race, a Runner’s Reunite Area will be located in Harbor Point at Waterfront Park. Here you will be able to hear great music, mingle with the runners, buy race merchandise and enjoy the atmosphere of the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & miniMarathon Finish Line.
- Other good viewing locations are Waterfront Park, along Main Street or anywhere else along the 26.2-mile route. Join your favorite radio station near a waterstop!
Best viewing times along the route:
Based on runners speed, there are approximate times you should look for participants at certain points along the route. We have calculated some of the most popular viewpoints. You’ll have time to pick several to be at to cheer your favorite runner and then move to the next viewpoint if you plan out your route ahead of time.
Approximate times of first runner through last runners:
