Derby Festival race officials and volunteers work hard to keep runners hydrated before, during and after running 13.1 or 26.2 miles.  In addition to the race infrastructure, two companies also step up to assist in providing these crucial course services. The Louisville Water Company will provide water at 14 locations along the route including the start and finish. There will also be 11 Powerade stations throughout the route.

More than 500 volunteers will man these locations. Local businesses and organizations host many of the stops with colorful decorations, dancing and even costumed characters.  Radio stations join in on the fun, adding music and broadcasting live. 

Louisville Water Company (LWC) is the official water provider of the Meijer Derby Festival Marathon and mini.  LWC provides 105,000 bottles of Pure Tap for the races – making the Derby Festival the biggest recipient of Pure Tap this year.   LWC employees bottle the water at the Pure Tap Bottling Facility in Crescent Hill.  Enjoy Pure Tap during the race!

Waterstops are located at these stations along the route:

Marathon/miniMarathon route

#1        3rd Street and Seneca Trail
#2        In Iroquois Park, at the back gate by Palatka  (Water & Powerade)
#3        Southern Parkway, just north of the Start Line, near Lone Oak Trail
#4        Southern Parkway & Evelyn (Water & Powerade)
#5        4th and Montana
#6        4th and Kentucky, next to Memorial park (Water & Powerade)

FINISH for miniMarathon runners

Marathon route  (Water & Powerade given at all stations along Marathon portion of route.)

#7        Corner of Barret and Breckinridge
#8        Corner of Willow and Eastern Parkway
#9        Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park, at Archery Field by Beals Branch Road
#10      Cherokee Road and Highland Avenue
#11      Witherspoon and Adams Street
#12      2nd Street Bridge, halfway across (serves as two stops)
#13      2nd Street Bridge, halfway across
#14      2nd and Chestnut