From the Race Organizers - Join us at the Louisville Marathon and receive commemorative event gear, delicious derby pie made by Kern's Kitchen, Louisville's largest finisher medal, and one complimentary beer post-race! Not to mention a beautiful run throughout the gorgeous Beckley Creek Park.
The Louisville Marathon was the 186th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 209th largest in 2022.
Last year 6.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.
This gives the Louisville Marathon the 294th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year.
Its Course Score of 97.66 ranks it as the 345th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest course in Kentucky.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Louisville Marathon a PR Score of 97.66. This PR Score ranks it as the 289th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in Kentucky.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Louisville Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 703 feet (214m) Min Elevation: 498 feet (151m)
I ran this race in 2020, when it had to be moved from the normal course to a park east of Louisville. There was plenty of parking, easily accessible facilities, and clear directions and signage. The course was an out and back, with a 10K and Half being run on the same course, along concrete paved trails. There was virtually no crowd support except in the last half mile, but the scenery was nice. There were several challenging hills, but since you go out then back, you get a chance to see what you're going to have to deal with during the second half of the race. The second half of the race is almost entirely uphill, though not noticeably difficult, but does have several very tough climbs.
