Our annual poll is now live!
Which races deserve the top spot in each state for 2026?
Kentucky has 8 active marathons this year. Races are most common in November, April, and March. Course terrain for these courses is most often rolling hills or mostly flat. Typical race day temperatures range from 38°F to 62°F.
Popular races include the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, Louisville Marathon, and Horse Capital Marathon. 6 certified courses can be great Boston qualifier options. Races with the best Boston qualifying percentages include the RYR Endurance Marathon (Sunday) — 15.8% BQ and Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon — 7.4% BQ.
| Kentucky Marathons |
 Course
|
PR Score
|
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Land Between the Lakes MarathonGrand Rivers, KY03/14/2026 | ![]() Rolling Hills![]() 91 Finishers |
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Horse Capital MarathonLexington, KY04/11/2026 | ![]() Rolling Hills![]() 136 Finishers |
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Kentucky Derby Festival MarathonLouisville, KY04/25/2026 | ![]() Mostly Flat![]() 1,328 Finishers |
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Backside Trail MarathonLouisville, KY04/27/2025 | ![]() Rolling Hills![]() 33 Finishers |
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bg26.2 MarathonBowling Green, KY11/01/2026 | ![]() Rolling Hills![]() 92 Finishers |
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Louisville MarathonLouisville, KY11/01/2026 | ![]() Hilly![]() 418 Finishers |
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RYR Endurance Marathon (Saturday)Owensboro, KY11/14/2026 | ![]() Mostly Flat![]() 30 Finishers |
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RYR Endurance Marathon (Sunday)Owensboro, KY11/15/2026 | ![]() Mostly Flat![]() 19 Finishers |
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