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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 186th largest in 2023.
Last year 2.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6.3% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Louisville Marathon the 395th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 299th highest percentage in 2023.
Its Course Score of 97.66 ranks it as the 347th 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 297th 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)
Likes: Gorgeous! If you like beautiful nature to get lost in your thoughts for a quiet marathon, this would be great. I loved the views! I live and train in hills, so the hills didn't bother me, except one steep downhill near the end (hard to navigate on tired legs!) And the course mostly goes down at the beginning and up going back. The racers were friendly- lots of waves and smiles and friendly encouragement. Facilities seemed to be appropriate and the half marathon starts an hour later, which was nice, because it alleviated congestion.
Dislikes: The ONLY reason I probably won't return is that the course is mostly concrete. It said paved, and I assumed asphalt, but only about 5 miles are asphalt. My legs hurt!! If you prefer cheering and crowds, you won't like its some spectator areas only had 1-2 people. But if crowds make you a little anxious, it's perfect!!
Race Tips
It'ss an out and back course mostly. There were water stations every couple of miles except in one spot between mile 6-10 (16-20) which I think was about 3.5 miles between - get a water bottle there. There is some shade in the middle but the beginning and end have very little shade- sunscreen!
It's a small race so you won't have any trouble. We had a dead battery and arrived very close to race time and it was not a big deal.
CB's review of 2024 Louisville Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
The course goes though The Parklands of Floyds Fork, a treasure of Louisville. Almost entirely on bike paths - mostly concrete, some asphalt. But it is not crowded, so there is no problem about congestion. The Parklands is beautiful: forested areas, some farmlands, a creek that you cross several times (on bridges). Lots of hills, one steep and long one at mile 23.
Race Tips
Be prepared for hills. Also, if you need crowds, this is not a race for you. But if you like to run in nature, and you don't need crowds, this is great.
This is a small race, so everything is simple. Parking is plentiful. I don't think there are nearby hotels, but getting to the site is easy.
Niko's review of 2021 Louisville Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
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.
