2026 Horse Capital Marathon
The 2026 Horse Capital Marathon & Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM EDT from the Kentucky Horse Park Campground Area in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. The event is expected to experience mild to warm weather conditions with temperatures ranging between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, offering ideal running conditions for participants. This 11th annual event features a scenic road race that passes by over 50 horse farms in Central Kentucky, with 98% of the course on country roads. Runners and walkers can look forward to a well-organized race with support stations, commemorative items, and a focus on supporting local charities.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (26.2 miles)
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- →Virtual Runner/Walker
How much does registration cost?
- →Marathon: $105
- →Half Marathon: $95
- →Virtual Runner/Walker: $60
- →Race Volunteer: Free
What are the age requirements for participation?
- →Marathon: 10–99 years
- →Half Marathon: 8–99 years
- →Virtual Runner/Walker: No age restriction
- →Race Volunteer: No age restriction
When does registration close for each category?
- →Marathon and Half Marathon: April 11, 2026 at 7:30 AM EDT
- →Virtual Runner/Walker: April 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
- →Race Volunteer: April 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
What is included in the race registration?
- →Long-sleeved performance/tech shirts (commemorative 11th Annual edition)
- →Custom finisher's medals
- →Kentucky Horse Country inspired awards
- →Free race photos (2 photographers on course)
- →17 hydration stations for marathon (water + electrolyte drink)
- →Race pacers provided by ForWord Running
- →Post-race stretching
- →Benefits Bluegrass Farms Charities
What is the race schedule?
- →Start time: 7:30 AM EDT
- →Finish time: 1:30 PM EDT for both marathon and half marathon
- →Volunteer time: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT
What is the course like?
- →Road race with a short section on the Legacy Trail
- →98% of the course on scenic Central Kentucky country roads
- →Marathon: 26.2 miles with ~1,300 ft elevation gain and 19 hydration stations
- →Half Marathon: 13.1 miles with ~600 ft elevation gain and 8 hydration stations
What is the cut-off time for the marathon?
- →6 hours maximum (per city permit)
- →Marathon runners must maintain a 14:30/mile pace or better
Where is the start and finish located?
- →Start/Finish: Kentucky Horse Park Campground Area
- →GPS Address: 3785 Campground Road, Lexington, KY 40511
⚠️ Do NOT use 4089 Iron Works Parkway — that leads to the Kentucky Horse Park entrance, not the race venue.
Where can I pick up my race packet?
- →Thursday, April 9: 3:00–6:00 PM at J&H Outdoors, 189 Moore Drive, Lexington, KY 40503
- →Friday, April 10: 2:00–6:00 PM at J&H Outdoors, 189 Moore Drive, Lexington, KY 40503
- →Saturday, April 11 (Race Day): 6:00–7:15 AM at KY Horse Park Campground Area — for out-of-town/out-of-state runners only
What is the event's charitable focus?
- →Benefits Bluegrass Farms Charities, supporting people working in Central Kentucky's Thoroughbred industry
Where can I find more information about the event?
- →Marathon registration: Runsignup ↗
- →Half Marathon registration: Runsignup ↗
- →Virtual Runner/Walker registration: Runsignup ↗
- →Race Volunteer registration: Runsignup ↗
- →Marathon route: Plotaroute ↗
- →Half Marathon route: Plotaroute ↗
- →Bluegrass Farms Charities: Bgfcky ↗