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Horse Capital Marathon

Lexington, KY
Saturday, April 11, 2026


  3.6 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description
The Horse Capital Marathon course is a double loop on rural roads dotted with views of more than forty horse farms.

April Other Marathons in April Other Marathons in Kentucky Marathons near Lexington, KY



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 57°F (13°C)
Average High: 67°F (19°C)
Average Low: 46° F (7°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 97.80
Course Score: 97.80

Race Size

2026: 159 Finishers
2025: 136 Finishers
2024: 204 Finishers
2023: 136 Finishers
2022: 157 Finishers
2021: 215 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 4.4%
2025: 3.7%
2024: 5.4%
2023: 3.7%
2022: 5.7%
2021: 8.8%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 4 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 68°F  (20°C)
Low: 46°F  (8°C)

Race Start Conditions

47°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 83%

Clear
N 4 mph

PR Score

97.27

Course Score

97.8






Horse Capital Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Horse Capital Marathon was the 318th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 237th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 4.4% of Horse Capital Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 3.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Horse Capital Marathon ranked 342nd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 148th so far in 2026. In Kentucky, it ranked 4th in 2025 and 2nd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Horse Capital Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Horse Capital Marathon has a Course Score of 97.80, ranking it as the 363rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest marathon course in Kentucky.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Horse Capital Marathon a PR Score of 97.80. The PR Score ranks the Horse Capital Marathon as the 308th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 2nd best marathon for a PR in Kentucky.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Horse Capital Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Kentucky for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Horse Capital Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed363rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd fastest marathon course in Kentucky
Top 79% Nationally#2 of 4 in Kentucky
PR Potential308th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 2nd best marathon for a PR in Kentucky
Top 67% Nationally#2 of 4 in Kentucky
Boston Qualifier Rate342nd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 4th highest BQ percentage in Kentucky
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 72% Nationally#4 of 6 in Kentucky
Race Size318th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Kentucky
Based on 2025 results
Top 54% Nationally#3 of 7 in Kentucky

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 971 feet (296m)
Min Elevation: 848 feet (258m)


Horse



Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Horse Capital Marathon

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Compare the Horse Capital Marathon to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the Horse Capital Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Horse Capital Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Horse Capital Marathon in 3:27:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


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Race Reviews


3.6
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

No support for marathoners

Full Review:

Beautiful race by they just ignore the slower marathoners
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2022

Beautiful, hot and hilly!

Full Review:

Loved the scenery. Horses running alongside you, beautiful horse parks all over, the scenery was divine. Very peaceful also

Dislikes: Constantly going up or down. Only the last mile is flat. Not a lot of cheering along the course as it is rural. Worst part was the heat, this marathon should be run in late April.

Neutral: Double loop with a spur at mile 17/18.

Race Tips:

The hills are never a huge climb, but I had about 1750 feet in elevation gains over the entire course. It all drops, but that just burns the quads.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of parking, expo area is beautiful.
Reviewed by JZ About 2018

Get Ready

Full Review:

The scenery is gorgeous, be prepared to see lots of horses. The whole course is either up or down except the last mile, be prepared for lots of hills. The race is held the end of May so it is super hot and muggy - fortunately there was a little rain. Everything was set up nicely

Race Tips:

Be prepared for lots of little hills. None are super huge or long, but again the whole time is either up or down. Also hydrate because it is hot and humid this time of year in KY.
Reviewed by Jeff About 2018

Hilly, Humid, Pretty

Full Review:

I ran this marathon in 2018. It was very humid and rained some of the time. The course is very beautiful. It's hilly. The humidity and hills wore on me in the late miles. It's a very peaceful run and the scenery is excellent, especially if you're from out of town.

Race Tips:

Hydrate and take plenty of gu. Prepare for hills.
Reviewed by CC About 2018

Full Review:

Scenery was lovely, rolling hills the whole way, nice quaint race, convenient. 2017 was warm combined with hills was tough. Minimal crowd support, great volunteers and race director....

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking was easy and convenient
Reviewed by Sb About 2017