Frequently Asked Questions

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 26th, 11 am - 7 pm and Friday, April 27th, 11 am - 9 pm There will be NO RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP FOR 2012.

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.

Can I change races (Marathon to miniMarathon or miniMarathon to Marathon)?
Yes...We asked that you make the change in race prior to the March 30th  registration deadline.  Please contact us at miniMarathon@kdf.org.

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 27th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm (EDT) at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

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 at the Starting Line?
Parking is available in many surface lots and parking garages located very close to Louisville Slugger Field in Downtown Louisville. Garage parking is located on the corner of Witherspoon and 1st Street, Washington and Brook Streets; 3rd and Jefferson, 4th and Market, as well as below the Marriott Louisville Downtown and the Galt House Hotel.

Where is the Start Line?
The start line for 2012 will be on Main Street at Louisville Slugger Field (Preston and Main Streets.

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 will the Portable Restrooms be located along the route?
Restrooms will be in the following locations:  Start Line; Broadway and 13th Street;4th and Kentucky, 3rd and Central Ave, Southern Parkway and Woodlawn, Iroquois Park (Entrance and Exit), 3rd and Kentucky, Barrett and Christy, and Baxter Ave and Broadway, Finish Line.


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 26th: 11 am - 7 pm and April 27th 11 am - 9 pm.

How do I find Lost Family Members?
Make arrangements to meet your family at the Runners Reunite area located on the Great Lawn 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.