Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K

New in 2026: The race will begin at 7:00 AM (Central Time), and the Half Marathon course time limit has been changed to 3 hours, 45 minutes.

The seventh annual Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K, presented by Owensboro Health, features a flat, fast course through Owensboro’s riverfront and historic downtown. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, tackling your first 13.1, or enjoying a 5K with friends or family, you’ll experience a professionally supported race while making a difference in your community!

Why We Race

The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K is a community event that brings participants of all abilities together to promote inclusion. Hosted by Wendell Foster, the race raises funds and awareness to empower people with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives.

What to Expect

• Flat, fast, scenic course
• Full and partial road closures for safety
• Aid stations along the route
• Professionally chip-timed races
• Finisher medals for all who complete the course
• Prize money for top finishers in the Half Marathon and 5K
• Age group awards for the Half Marathon and 5K

Key Details

• The race will begin at 7:00 AM (Central Time)
• Half Marathon time limit: 3 hours, 45 minutes
• Participants must be 12 or older on race day to register for the Half Marathon or Push-Rim Divisions
  • No age restrictions apply to 5K, Steps Division, or Duo Team participants

Start your spring with purpose and join us on March 28, 2026, as we race toward a more inclusive community!

Click HERE to view the 2025 Athlete Guide.

Entertainment and Cheer Stations

We pride ourselves on being Owensboro's Best Running Race...and Owensboro's most entertaining race! Whether you're on Mile 1 or Mile 13, our cheer stations and entertaining community members are here to keep you going! Year after year, runners say those cheering them on are the most memorable part of the WFHM&5K.

"This was my second time running the Wendell Foster Half and it was another great experience. I love running to support such a great organization. The crowd support during the race is phenomenal. I had an injury this year and was struggling with completing it, but being cheered on the entire time really helped me push through!" -2024 Half Finisher

Interested in being involved on the course this year? YOU could be the reason someone crosses the finish line!

Entertainers and Performers

We are searching for DJs, bands, singers and choirs, cheer squads, dance teams, and more to pump up our participants and create a fun environment throughout the course!

Cheer Stations

Not a natural entertainer? No problem! Use your voice to send encouraging words and cheer on the runners. Church and youth groups, clubs, sports teams, and non-profit organizations are perfect for our cheer stations. We'll place your group in a spot where motivation is needed the most!

*NEW FOR 2025* Water Station Showdown

Volunteer for a chance to secure a $1,000 donation for a nonprofit close to your heart! Our new Water Station Showdown offers your organization a unique opportunity to give back to the community and promote your brand during the WFHM&5K. Compete with other organizations and businesses to provide the best water station for runners on the route. Get creative with branding materials, decor, costumes, and props! The water station that brings the most enthusiasm and creativity will win a $1,000 donation to a local nonprofit (501c3 in good standing) of their choice. Feel free to go all out with costumes, music, and themes!

For more information and how to apply for this opportunity, click HERE!

To sign up as an entertainment or cheer section volunteer and for additional questions, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Hailey Neal at hailey.neal@wendellfoster.org .

CASH will be given to the overall first, second, and third places of male and female winners!

Individual Half Marathon Awards

*1st Place: $750 male/$750 female

2nd Place: $500 male/$500 female

3rd Place: $250 male/$250 female

Due to the overall 1st place prize being over $600, 1st place cash winners will be required to sign a tax form on-site and provide a copy of their driver’s license prior to receiving their award. Virtual runners will not be eligible for awards.

Individual 5K Awards

1st Place: $200 male/$200 female

2nd Place: $100 male/$100 female

3rd Place: $50 male/$50 female

Half Marathon Age Group Awards

Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers for both males and females in the following age groups. Half Division ONLY.

Age 12-15

Age 16-19

Age 20-24

Age 25-29

Age 30-34

Age 35-39

Age 40-44

Age 45-49

Age 50-54

Age 55-59

Age 60-64

Age 65-69

Age 70-74

Age 75 and Over

*Due to it being a large-scale event, there will not be an awards ceremony. When age group awards are officially finalized they will be mailed to recipients.

Showcase Your Business!

Taking place the day prior to race day, the Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K Expo is an excellent opportunity to spotlight your business to hundreds of enthusiastic runners and health-conscious individuals. Whether you're offering the latest in activewear, massage therapies, or information about upcoming races, the Expo provides a unique chance for you to reach potential customers.

Secure your spot and be a part of this exciting event that celebrates health, fitness, and community spirit! For more information on becoming an Expo vendor, contact Kirk Aldridge, Expo Coordinator, at kirk.aldridge@wendellfoster.org.

Duo Teams

A Duo Team is made up of a runner pushing a person with disability in a customized racing wheelchair. 

Eligibility

• The duo rider must possess a disability in order to participate in the duo team division. 

Registration

• Both members of the Duo Team must complete a race registration in order to participate.
• The duo rider should select the Duo Team Division of the distance of their choice to register. 
• The duo runner should should select the individual registration of the distance of their choice to register (same distance as their duo rider). 

Results & Awards

• The top three overall awards will be given in the Duo Team Division. There will not be age group awards for the Duo Team Division.
• The names of both duo team members will appear in race results. 

Make the Most of Race Weekend!

Owensboro has so much to offer beyond race day! Check out our curated map of local restaurants, shops, and must-see attractions to make the most of your weekend. Plan your visit and experience the charm of the 'Boro!

View the Interactive Map HERE!

The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K Expo will be at the Owensboro Convention Center on Friday, March 21st, 2024. At the Expo on March 21st, check-in for the race and pick up your bib, check out our amazing vendor and sponsor booths, stop by the official WFHM&5K Merch Store, and take your picture in front of our race banner! Race registration will be available at the Expo for $90 (Cash & Debit/Credit Cards ONLY). There will NOT be race day registration.

Check-In Times

• Friday, March 21st, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Exhibit Hall 3 on Main Level
• Saturday, March 22nd, 5:30 am - 7:00 am, Lobby of Owensboro Convention Center

What to Bring

• Photo ID
• Proof of Registration
  • Participants can pick up someone else's packet as long as they have their proof of registration.

2025 Expo Vendors 

  Active Nutrition
Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Blueline Entertainment
The Settle Group- Baird Private Wealth Management
Boardwalk Pipelines
Edge Body Boot Camp
Evansville Half Marathon
German American Bank
Goodwood Owensboro
Iron Jungle
Legends
Mary Kendall Community Services
Mentor Kids Kentucky
Orange Theory
Owensboro Health
Rehabilitation and Performance Institute 
RYR Endurance Coaching
Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline
The Loudest Mile (for all your cheering needs!)
Tucker's Treehouse
Visit Owensboro 

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I TRANSFER MY RACE REGISTRATION TO A FRIEND?

Yes. 

DO YOU OFFER A MILITARY OR FIRST RESPONDERS DISCOUNT?

Wendell Foster is proud to honor our U.S. Military members, U.S. Military Veterans, and active and retired first responders with a discount. Qualified individuals can receive a ten percent (10%) discount off the price at the time of registration. The discount is applicable to half marathon distance registrations only.

Email a copy of your military and work photo ID to khoward@wendellfoster.org to request the discount.

Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront

Distance to Race Start: 0 miles, 1 minute

401 W. 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301  |  Phone: 270-685-2005

Click HERE to book. 

Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront

Distance to Race Start: 0.5 miles, 4 minutes

701 W. 1st Street, Owensboro, KY 42301  |  Phone: 270-683-1111

Click HERE to book.

Fairfield Inn Owensboro

Distance to Race Start: 3.7 miles, 12 minutes

800 Salem Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301  |  Phone: 270-688-8887

Click HERE to book. 

Best Western Plus Owensboro

Distance to Race Start: 3.8 miles, 14 minutes

1018 Goetz Drive, Owensboro, KY  |  Phone: 270-689-0939

Click HERE to book.

Courtyard Owensboro

Distance to Race Start: 3.6 miles, 11 minutes

3120 Highland Pointe Dr, Owensboro, KY 42303  |  Phone: 270-685-4140

Click HERE to book.

TownePlace Suites Owensboro

Distance to Race Start: 3.7 miles, 9 minutes

3365 Hayden Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303  |  Phone: 270-231-8222

Click HERE to book.

For a larger view or to print the map, please click here.

1. Awards are based on chip timing, NOT gun time.
   1. Awards are based on the participant’s age as of March 22, 2025.
   2. The top 3 males and females of the half marathon and 5K divisions will receive a cash prize that will be given out shortly after the top athletes complete the course. If you are a top finisher, please wait in the finish line area to receive your award.  
   3. For all other half marathon age group awards, there will NOT be a ceremony. Age group winners will receive their awards in the mail after the results have been finalized.
   4. There are NOT age group awards for the 5K division. Results will be available after the race.
2. Participants must follow instructions as given by all event officials, including race staff, volunteers, medical personnel, security officers, and city officials throughout the duration of the event.
3. All participants must enter their Start Corral at the designated entry points. Any person who climbs the fence or otherwise enters improperly will be disqualified from the event.
4. All participants must be positioned behind the official start line prior to the start of the race.
5. Any participant who has been found by a course marshal, event official, or surveillance equipment to have gained an unfair advantage by intentionally shortening the route of the race (“cutting the course”) will be disqualified from the event.
6. No persons are authorized to be on the course unless they are registered participants or authorized event staff. Therefore, no person shall be allowed to accompany a participant if he/she is not registered in the event, nor shall any participant be allowed, without the permission of the event management, to receive assistance or refreshments from anyone during the progress of the event. Any person not properly displaying an issued current official event bib number will be directed to leave the course.
   1. No participant shall be paced or followed by an “outside” runner, bicycle, or pedestrian.
7. All finish times are reviewed before times are deemed official.
8. Event officials reserve the right to modify, supplement, or waive all or part of the event rules.
9. Runners must stay in the right lane of the road, unless instructed to do otherwise.
   1. On Ford Avenue, runners will be instructed to stay inside of the cones.
10. Participants can only cross the finish line once. Spectators are not allowed to cross the finish line or it can lead to disqualification.

Friday, March 21, 2025

• 12 PM to 6 PM: Participant Check-In and Expo Registration
  • Owensboro Convention Center – 501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42301
  • Race swag and vendor merchandise will be available for purchase.

Saturday, March 22, 2025

• 5:30 AM to 7 AM: Packet Pickup (there will NOT be race day registration).
  • Owensboro Convention Center – 501 West 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42303
• 7:00 AM: Half marathon and 5K participants start lining up at the start line.
• 7:30 AM: Race starts for Duo Team Division
• 7:31 AM:  Race starts for all other half marathon participants
• 7:35-7:40 AM: Race starts for 5K participants
  • 5K starts 3 minutes after the last half marathon participant crosses the start line.
• 11:35 AM: Race Course Closes (4-Hour Course Time Limit)

* All participants will line up along W Veterans Blvd, near Smothers Park.

What is the Steps Division?

Participants in our Steps Division will have the opportunity to complete a half marathon or 5K distance at the time they register leading up to race day. Recording their steps prior to race day, participants will take their final steps across the finish line alongside our dedicated runners, walkers and duo teams and be medaled for their great accomplishment.

Eligibility

• In order to be eligible for the Steps Division, the participant must have a disability.
• The Steps Division gives those with disabilities the chance to complete a half marathon or 5K. If you do not have a disability, we encourage you to register in our Half Marathon or 5K divisions.  

Recording Your Steps

• We encourage you to track your steps with a fitness watch or pedometer. 
• Once recorded, you can track your steps within the RunSignUp website. 
• Participants will also receive a complimentary Steps tracking poster to record steps. 
• It is not required to submit documentation or proof of steps to race officials.

How to Track Your Steps in RunSignUp

1. Navigate to the Results tab on the WFHM RunSignUp web page.
2. At the top of the page, click Submit Virtual Results.
3. Find your registration by searching your name or email address/date of birth.
4. Click the Log Activities button.
5. Log your number of steps and submit activity.
6. Celebrate! You are one step closer to your goal.

Want to be Steps Ambassador?

Reach out to Race Director, Kara Howard for interest in participating as a WFHM Steps Ambassador! khoward@wendellfoster.org

Half Marathon Course

5K Course

View our FREE 2025 12-week training guide HERE!

Join us at Legends every Saturday beginning January 4th, 2025 for training runs! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-timer, there’s a place for you in our community. All paces are welcome! Doors open at 6:30 am, and each run starts at 7:00 am with a warmup by our friends at Rehabilitation & Performance Institute (RPI)!

Need some more motivation? Don't miss your chance to win fun giveaways at each run! Sign in and attend 8+ training runs to be entered for a chance to win a custom shoe fitting and a free pair of shoes from Legends!