Frequently Asked Questions

As the race is now SOLD OUT, how can I purchase a "Charity Bib"?
Race organizers will offer 250 "Charity Bibs" for runners who missed the registration deadline. The bibs – which allow entry into either the Marathon or miniMarathon – cost $125, with $100 going toward the charity of the runner’s choice from the 18 Official KDF Race Charities, and $25 to the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, the Derby Festival’s charitable arm. The Charity Bibs will only be available at the Running Wild Race Expo, first-come, first-served starting on April 22nd at 11:00 am.

What is a "miniMarathon"?
The "miniMarathon" is a 1/2 Marathon.

What time does the Race start?
The Marathon & miniMarathon both start at 7:30 am Wheelchair athletes start at 7:20 am

Where do I pick up my packet?
Race packets are available (ID REQUIRED) at the Derby Festival Running Wild Expo at the Kentucky International Convention Center – Hall 2C, 221 South 4th Street; Louisville, KY 40202. Thursday, April 22nd, 11 am - 7 pm and Friday, April 23rd, 11 am - 9 pm There will be NO RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP FOR 2010.

May walkers participate in the Marathon or miniMarathon?
Yes, walkers may participate, but must be able to keep a 13:45 minute per mile pace for the full Marathon or a 15:00 minute per mile pace in the miniMarathon. Roads will reopen at this pace and course services will not be guaranteed available past this time.

Will I be running on the dirt inside Churchill Downs?
No...Runners will run on pavement through the infield of Churchill Downs.

Is the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon a Boston Marathon Qualifier?
Yes.

Can participants use MP3 players on the course?
While the Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc. does not recommend the use of MP3 players on the course for safety reasons, we do allow runners to use MP3 players if they so wish.

May I pick up my friend or family members race packet?
No…All participants will be required to show a valid photo ID along with their registration confirmation at Packet Distribution.

How can I confirm my registration?
Registrations can be confirmed online by clicking on the following link: Confirmation

When is the Pasta Dinner?
The Running Wild Pasta Dinner is Friday, April 23rd, 5:30 - 8:30 pm (EDT) at the Kentucky International Convention Center - Hall 2C.

How can I purchase tickets for the Pasta Dinner?
Pasta Dinner Tickets are available to purchase by calling 1-800-928-3378 or online at www.kdf.org. Please have your Credit Card available. If tickets are still available at the expo, they will be available for sale at the Pasta Dinner Ticket Table at Runner Services booth located in the Expo.

Where can I park to catch the buses to the Start Line?
Parking is available in many surface lots and parking garages located very close to the Kentucky International Convention Center in Downtown Louisville. Garage parking is located on the corner of 3rd and Jefferson, 4th and Market, as well as below the Marriott Louisville Downtown and the Galt House Hotel.

Where and when do the Buses Run?
The Buses will begin running at 5:00 am - 6:45 am. The buses will be picking up participants at three (3) locations, 3rd and Market, 4th and Jefferson and 4th and Main. Please arrive no later than 6:15 am to bus pick-up points to avoid the possibility of arriving late to the start line. There is NO PARKING AT THE START LINE.

If I have extra running gear with me where can I leave it, and where do a pick it up?
Runner's Gear can be left with the Runner's Gear Truck, which will be stationed at the Shuttle dropoff point at the Start (3^rd and Tenney for C and D Corral participants; Rutherford Elementary for A and B Corral participants). You can pick up your gear at the Runners Reunite area at the finish line located in the Orange Parking Lot on River Road at the Finish Line.

Where is the Start Line?
Iroquois Manor Shopping Center (3rd Street and Rochester). There will be NO PARKING at Iroquois Manor. All runner vehicles will be towed at the owners expense.

Where is the Finish Line?
Preston and Witherspoon Street (near Waterfront Park)

What time does the Finish Line close?
The Finish Line will close at 1:30 pm

Where Can I park at the Starting Line?
Limited Parking space is available at Iroquois High School. Iroquois Amphitheatre and Iroquois Manor Shopping Center will be closed to public use. It is recommended to park in downtown and ride the shuttles to the start.

Where do I pick up my Marathon and miniMarathon shirt and Poster?
Race T-shirts and posters are available to pick up at Packet Distribution Thursday, April 22nd: 11 am - 7 pm and April 23rd 11 am - 9 pm.

How do I find Lost Family Members?
Make arrangements to meet your family at the Runners Reunite area located at the east entrance of Kroger's Fest-A-Ville on the Waterfront (Waterfront Park). There will be alphabetical signs, so choose a letter and meet there. There is no charge for the runner's reunite area.

How do I get from the Finish Line back to the Start if I parked at Iroquois?
Runners are encouraged to ride the shuttles to the start line. If runners decide to drive to the start line, it will be the runner responsibility to return to the start line to pickup their car.