Kentucky Running Races for Bourbon Lovers

One of our favorite hobbies (outside of bourbon and whiskey) is running. Usually with our one of our weimaraners. Because these are two of our favorite things, we thought it would be cool to scope out four races that you could plan around that in some way incorporate bourbon.

• Urban Bourbon Half  Marathon - October 19, 2019 - A 21+ half marathon sponsored by Jim Beam... this fits our criteria perfectly. This race is in conjunction with the Urban Bourbon Bash at Fourth Street Live. Starting in Downtown Louisville, the course travels around the city. "Along with race entry, all registrants will receive a free wristband for the post-race Urban Bourbon Bash held at Fourth Street Live! from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. With a wristband, race participants can enjoy a sampling of bourbons from various distillers along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Bearno’s Pizza, Falls City beer, and plenty of prize and photo opportunities."
  
  Entry is $85 through May 1 and $95 through September 1. 

• The Bourbon Chase - October 18-19, 2019 - This race is powered by Ragnar, which means it's intense. The Bourbon Chase is a 200-ish mile running relay across Kentucky that winds its way through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with stops at five distilleries. The course consists of 12 legs ranging from 14 to 22 miles. There were no restrictions listed on the number of participants per team. Teams are selected via a lottery.
  
  "The lottery opens February 6. To enter the lottery, you’ll put a deposit of $25 down (plus 9.75% service fee) between February 6 and February 19. Winners will be announced the week of February 25 and if your team is selected, you’ll be notified by email and your card will be charged $1,991.96 ($1,840 team registration fee minus $25 lottery entry plus 9.75% service fee) for a regular team and $1,311.51 for an ultra team ($1,220 team registration fee minus $25 lottery entry plus 9.75% service fee)."
  
  All runners must be 21+ to participate. 

• Run the Bluegrass - March 30, 2019 - This bills itself as 'America's Prettiest Half Marathon' and consists of a course that starts and finishes in Lexington. The Half-Marathoners utilizes 2.2 miles along Kentucky's historic Old Frankfort Pike, "ranked by Trails.com as "one of the ten best scenic drives in the United States." Rich with history, heritage, (yes, rolling hills!), scenic views and the birthplace of American Thoroughbred Racing, Old Frankfort Pike is one of the prettiest stretches of land in the world."
  
  They also offer a shorter 7 mile course and a a race called 'The Yearling' that checks in at 3.65 miles. Registration for the half is $115 through February 28, $120 through March 27, and $125 through the expo. The 7 mile race is $100, $105, and $110. The Yearling is $60, $65, and $70. Participants receive technical shirts, a finisher medal, and much more. 

• Kentucky Derby Marathon - April 27, 2019 - The official Kentucky Derby Marathon and MiniMarathon (half marathon). For elite runners, this race is an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The course begins at Main and Brook in downtown Louisville and ends near Waterfront Park. The course is complete with 15 water stations and includes running on the pavement through the infield of Churchill Downs.
  
  Registration is guaranteed to the first 15,000 entrants. Registration is $90 for the full marathon and $80 for the MiniMarathon. 

If you have had the chance to do any of the races or know of any others, please drop a note in the comment box below. Happy running!