Urban Bourbon Half Marathon and 5K

The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is a 13.1‑mile experiential destination race that celebrates more than 200 years of Louisville and Kentucky’s distilling heritage. Starting and finishing in downtown Louisville, the course winds through the vibrant fall foliage of Cherokee Park, one of the city’s most scenic landmarks. Walkers are welcome but must maintain an 18‑minute‑per‑mile pace, as the course closes at noon.

Returning this year is the Urban Bourbon 5K, offering a shorter, smoother version of the UBHM experience.

All UBHM and UB5K participants will receive a long‑sleeve shirt and a unique bourbon‑themed finisher medal. Registered runners are also invited to the award‑winning Urban Bourbon Bash at Fourth Street Live!, featuring live music by the Louisville Crashers. UBHM registrants enjoy bourbon samples, beer, pizza, and soup as part of their entry, while UB5K participants may purchase a discounted wristband on race morning for $20 to access the same offerings.

Because of the bourbon theme, all participants must be 21 or older on Oct. 17, 2026, to register. Online registration will close at 7:59 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2026.

REGISTRATION & PARTICIPATION

Who can participate?
Only those age 21 and over may participate in the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon and 5K. You must be at least 21 years old on Oct. 17, 2026, to register.

How do I register?
Register online at our secure site by clicking the Registration tab. Online registration closes at midnight on Oct. 16, 2026. There is no race-day registration.

What is the cost to register?
Registration pricing can be found here: UBHM Registration Pricing

Is there a limit on number of participants?
The 2026 Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is capped at 2,600 participants. The Urban Bourbon 5K is capped at 600 participants.

Will the races sell out?
The 2025 Urban Bourbon Half Marathon and 5K sold out, so it’s possible the 2026 race could sell out as well.

If the races sell out, will there be a wait list?
Yes. A wait list for both distances will automatically become active if either race reaches capacity.

Can walkers participate?
Yes, walkers are welcome but must maintain an 18:00 minute/mile pace. The course closes at 12 p.m., and services may not be available after that time.

Can I participate in a race group?
Yes! Race groups are popular, and you can register as many participants as you like. Register with a team here.

Bonus: Teams with 10 or more members receive a $5 registration credit per person.

Do you offer a discount for first responders?
Yes. Active U.S. military members, veterans, and first responders — including medical professionals — receive 10% off race registration. Email proof of service (e.g., DD214) to info@louisvillesports.org to receive a discount code.

What types of wheelchairs are allowed?
Push-rim style only.

When is the last day to register?
Online registration closes Oct. 16, 2026. You may also register in person at packet pickup on Oct. 17 for $110 (cash only).

How can I confirm registration?
Click the Registration link to visit the RunSignUp page, then select “Find a Participant” to search for your registration.
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RACE DAY LOGISTICS

What time does the race start?
•    Urban Bourbon Half Marathon: 8 a.m. ET
•    Urban Bourbon 5K: 8:30 a.m. ET

Where is the Start Line?
S. 6th and W. Main Streets, downtown Louisville, KY.

Where is the Finish Line?
S. 4th Street between Jefferson and Liberty Streets, downtown Louisville, KY.

Where is the Urban Bourbon Bash?
Fourth Street Live!, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m., featuring live music by the Louisville Crashers.
•    Half Marathon participants receive bourbon samples, beer, pizza, and soup as part of registration.
•    5K participants can purchase a discounted wristband ($20) at packet pickup or on race morning.

Where do I get my race packet?
Packet pickup is Friday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., at Louisville Slugger Field (401 E. Main St). Valid photo ID is required.

Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes, but they must have a copy of your ID or race registration confirmation.

Can I pick up my packet on race day?
Yes, a dedicated location next to Gear Check will be available. This option can be selected during registration. Price: $50 per person, pickup between 6 – 7:30 a.m.

Is there Gear Check?
Yes, near the start and finish lines.

Can I exchange my runner shirt for a different size?
Yes, exchanges can be made on race morning at the Urban Bourbon Bash based on availability.

Is bib-swapping permitted?
Yes, until Oct. 15, 2026 ($25 fee). Log into your RunSignUp account and follow the “Transfer to Another Runner” instructions.

Can I defer my registration?
Yes, until Oct. 13, 2026 ($25 fee). Log into your RunSignUp account and select “Defer.”

Are strollers or pets allowed?
No, strollers and pets are not permitted on the course.

Are headphones allowed?
Yes, but keep the volume at a safe level to hear runners and volunteers.

Will there be hydration stations?
Yes, 6 stations along the course with Louisville Pure Tap® water. Stations 2, 4 and 6 also serve Powerade. You may also carry your own water.

Can I carry my own water on the course? 
Absolutely! We encourage all runners to stay hydrated.

Are there restrooms on the course?
Yes, typically porta potties at the start line and all water stations.
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RACE COURSE & SPECTATORS

Where can I find a course map?
View Half Marathon & 5K maps

Is the course USATF-certified?
Yes.

What are the best spots for spectators?
•    Start Line: W. Main & Sixth Streets
•    Lynn Family Stadium on Adams Street
•    Fante’s Coffee on Etley Avenue
•    Cherokee Park Scenic Loop
•    Finish Line: Fourth Street between Market and Jefferson Streets
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RESULTS, PHOTOS & TRACKING

Do I need to return the chip?
No, disposable chips are attached to bibs.

How can I track a participant?
Use the free RUNFARUSA tracker link or app. Download here.

How do I get my results?
Results are available online immediately after the race. Click here.

Where can I find race photos?
JA Laub, our official race photographer, will email a bib-tagged photo link within 3–5 days post-race.
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AWARDS & FINISHER INFO

Do finishers receive a medal?
Yes, all Half Marathon and 5K finishers receive a bourbon-themed medal.

What do participants receive?
Long sleeve shirt, finisher medal, access to hydration and medical stations, and post-race snacks. Urban Bourbon Bash access is included for all registrants.

What are the awards?
•    Top overall male, female, and non-binary: custom bourbon barrel head
•    Top 3 male/female finishers in each age group ( 21–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, and 75 & over): custom bourbon-themed award

Is there a penalty for unauthorized bib use?
Yes. Running under another participant’s bib will result in disqualification and a minimum two-year ban from future events.
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WEATHER

What is Kentucky’s weather like in October?
Average high: 70°F; average low: 49°F.

Is there a rain date?
No. The race is RAIN OR SHINE.
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PARKING & ROAD CLOSURES

Where should I park?
Parking garages, surface lots, and street parking are available. Metered parking is enforced on Saturdays. View parking map.

Road Closures
(Times approximate; reopenings based on last participant crossing at an 18-min/mile pace)

W. Main Street (8th St. to 4th St.) 5:30 – 8:45 am
W. Main Street (8th St. to Preston St.) 7:50 – 8:45 am
Preston St. (Main St. to E. Witherspoon St.) 7:50 – 11:40 am
E. Witherspoon St. (Preston to Adams) 8 - 11:40 am
Adams St. (E. Witherspoon St. to Story Ave.) 8 – 11:40 am
Spring St. (Story Ave. to Lexington Rd.) 8:10 - 11:40 am
Lexington Rd. (S. Spring St. to Ledge Rd.) 8 – 11:40 am
Ledge Rd. (Lexington Rd. to Scenic Loop) 8 – 11:40 am
Scenic Loop (Ledge Rd. to Barrett Hill Rd.) 8:00 – 10 am
Barrett Hill Rd. (Scenic Loop to Park Boundary Rd.) 8 – 10:30 am
Park Boundary Rd. (Barret Hill Rd. to Beargrass Rd.) 8 – 10:50 am
Beargrass Rd. (Park Boundary Rd. to Scenic Loop) 8 – 11:10 am
Cochran Hill Rd. (Scenic Loop to Under I-64) 8 – 11:20 am
Scenic Loop (Beargrass Rd. to Ledge Rd.) 8 – 11:30 am
E. Witherspoon St. (Adams St. to W River Rd.) 8 – 11:45 am
W. River Rd. (E Witherspoon St. to 4th St.) 8 – 11:55 am
4th St. (W. River Rd. to W. Jefferson St.) 8 am – 12 pm

*These times are estimates. Streets could be reopened earlier and will coincide with an 18-minute-mile pace; reopenings based on the last participant crossing the start line.
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POLICIES

What is the cancellation policy?
Sorry, there are NO refunds for cancellations.

Take advantage of our referral program and Earn Cash Back!

When you register, you'll receive a special link to share with your friends and family. 

When five people use your link to register, you'll receive a $50 refund!

Interested?  Follow these easy steps:

Register online.
Grab your unique link from your RunSignUp Confirmation email.
Start sharing!  Social Media, E-mail and Text are all great places to start.

*Please Note: Referral Refunds will be awarded only once you have reached five referrals that use your unique link. The amount will be applied to the credit card on file with your RunSignUp account. 

Take advantage of our referral program and group registration options!