37 events in Louisville, Kentucky

WE ARE NOW SOLD OUT OF SHIRTS SO WE HAVE ROLLED THE PRICE BACK. IF YOU REGISTER AND DON'T GET A SHIRT, WHATEVER IS AVAILABLE AFTER THE RACE YOU CAN GET ONE WHILE THEY LAST.

This race is part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Run six races on our calendar and get a Run the 502 Finisher Medal with charms of all the races finished. Click here for more details and to register for the Run the 502.

SECOND LEG OF THE POLAR BEAR GRAND PRIX

For the 22nd year, River City Races has been producing a series of races this winter to keep you motivated to stay out runnin' on the roads! The Polar Bear Grand Prix is three races in December, January and February. Enter all three here and in addition to each race goodie, the first 300 will receive an extra race goodie!

Each race in the series gets a finisher medal and at the end of the series they fit together to form the Polar Bear Grand Prix finisher medal!

Entry fee includes:

• Long sleeve 1/4 zip tech shirt*

• Finisher medal

• Free race photography

• Age Group Awards

• Awards for Overall, Masters and Grand Masters

• Team competition

Race shirt guaranteed to the first 500 registered.

*subject to change

AWARDS

Ken Combs Running Store gift certificates for the top three male and female ($50/$40/$30), master and grandmaster ($30). Top three in each age group ($30/$20/$15), 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over

The Polar Bear Grand Prix Team Challenge is open to any 3 to 5 person teams in three divisions: Male, Female, or Coed. Fastest three on each team are scored, the Coed team must score one woman. Your team can choose to participate in any individual or all three Polar Bear Grand Prix races. There will be a Team Challenge Polar Bear Grand Prix Award for any team that wins all three races in their division. You will not only compete for team awards; each team member is also eligible for an individual time and awards! There is no additional fee to participate in the Polar Bear Grand Prix Team Challenge.

We have a charity partner for the Frostbite 5k, The Olmsted Parks Conservancy! Louisville has the greatest parks system in the country and we all enjoy running and walking in them. Help maintain their beauty by donating and/or fundraising! It's easy and fun and if you raise $150 or more your registration is free! More details on how to fundraise or the option to make a donation when you register.

Ready to run your heart out? Join us for the annual Couple Shuffle 2-mile, 5k, and 10k! Whether you're sprinting with your sweetheart or racing solo, this Valentine themed race promises a heart-pounding good time. Enjoy a course sprinkled with fun photo ops, and a finish line filled with sweet treats and high-fives. Put on your running shoes and let’s make this Valentine’s a day to remember! 💖🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Fun for the whole family!

The fun includes-

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k 12 & Under are only $17!

• 10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 2-mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

It’s back — the Planet Fitness Mayorthon!

Whether you’re new to running, an avid walker, a seasoned runner, or simply looking for a fun challenge, the Mayorthon fall race series is for you.

The 2026 Lineup:

• Race the Runway 5.02K – August 8

• Louisville Pure Tap® 5K – August 29

• Bourbon & Beyond 5K – September 26

• Thru the Ville 5K – October 24

Register for the full Planet Fitness Mayorthon series and save 10% off all four races. Even better, participants who complete all four events will earn a special Mayor’s Challenge Coin.

Each race highlights a unique part of Louisville:

✈️ Race the Runway 5.02K – Run through Bowman Field for a one-of-a-kind aviation experience.

💧 Louisville Pure Tap® 5K – Start and finish at the historic Louisville Water Tower Park.

🥃 Bourbon & Beyond 5K – Race through the Kentucky Expo Center and Kentucky Kingdom.

🏫 Thru the Ville 5K – Explore iconic landmarks across the University of Louisville campus.

Four races. Four unique experiences. One unforgettable fall.

Luck O' the Irish to ye!

The Loopy Leprechaun 5K / 10K is a fun family friendly St. Patrick’s Day race designed for runners, walkers, and "leprechauns" of all ages hosted by Bigfoot Timing / Central Kentucky Race Management. This looped course will be on a 5K route around Cherokee Park from Hogan's Fountain. Dress in green and gold, wear costumes, and bring all of your family and friends out with you for a great morning of fun. The event focuses on community spirit and "shenanigans", so whether you are seeking to score a new PR, run your first race, or find motivation to keep moving and staying healthy please plan to join us.

Race Registration Fees are kept low in an effort to accommodate families seeking to participate without spending all of your gold. Shirts are available as an add-on. We love the shirt design and we believe many will want to get their hands on one to wear around St. Patrick's Day, make sure you order it during registration as they will only be available by pre-order.

Fun Awards

We will have a couple of fun awards for the best dressed leprechaun as well as a few others for those who love getting into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day.

We will have awards for Overall Male and Female finishers. Age groups will be posted on RunSignUp for bragging rights.

Restrooms

There will be on-site restrooms in addition to Portable Restrooms for the race near the start line.

Packet Pick-Up

Saturday at Ken Combs Running Store from 1 PM to 3 PM. Kim will be at Ken Combs with your race packets and store items.

Race Day Packet Pick-up will be on-site prior to the race start. We will be setup about 7:30 AM to Check-in participants.

T-Shirts

Shirt Pre-Orders are closed to allow time for printing.

Shirts for this series are an optional add-on. This keeps the cost of the race reasonable for families. We will have a limited number of shirts available for sale on race day. If you know you want a shirt, please pre-order during registration.

Parking--ARRIVE EARLY & CARPOOL

Carpool as much as possible. We want to be respectful of the parks so we are able to have many more great events in the future. Carpooling is preferred to make space for everyone planning to participate. If you are planning to run with a friend, we encourage carpooling. Please do not park in the grass or blocking the roadway.

Join us for the annual Time to Paddy 5k/10k and Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon! A St. Patrick-themed run that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes great swag (designer shirt, custom medal), chip-timing, live results and awards, free photos, a "biggest team" contest, a kids' dash, great post-race food, and plenty of fun! Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!

• Half Marathon Registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

Grab your friends and register as a "team" for special pricing and a chance to win the "Biggest Paddy (team)" award! Create a team, or join an existing team during registration. Once 5 people have registered on that team, all team members will be refunded $5, once ten people register $10 will be refunded!

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

Question: Is it supposed to be DO NOT STOP, or DONUT STOP? Answer: YES!

Like Running or Walking? Love Donuts? This race is for you! Join us for the annual DoNot Stop Half Marathon, 5k/10k! A donut-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Free photos

• Delicious donut waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!

Half - Marathon registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

Every 5k equals the distance many walk daily for water.

Join us. Run or walk with purpose. Change lives.

Register today and help bring safe water to communities worldwide.

Registration Pricing & Deadlines

Register early and save! Prices increase as race day approaches.

• Early Bird - $25 through March 20

• Standard Registration - $30 March 21 - April 10

• Late Registration - $35 April 11 through Race day

Register early to lock in the lowest price and guarantee your race shirt size.

Why We Run

Join us at Lynn Family Stadium for the Steps for Safe Water 5k - a meaningful community

run/walk benefiting WaterStep and supporting access to safe water around the world.

This race is more than just miles on a course. It’s a show of solidarity with the millions of people

who walk every single day to access water for their families. On average, individuals travel more

than 3 miles just to collect water, and too often it still isn’t safe to drink.

When you run or walk this 5k, you are helping remove those barriers and bring sustainable safe

water solutions to communities that need them most.

Your registration helps support WaterStep’s mission to provide sustainable safe water,

sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions to communities around the world.

Packet Pick-up

6:30 AM on Sunday, April 19th at Lynn Family Stadium.

Parking

Everyone will park in the purple lot (350 Adams St.).

Race Shirts

Participants will receive an official Steps for Safe Water 5k race shirt while supplies last.

Register by April 5th to guarantee shirt sizes.

Meet Your Host: WaterStep

WaterStep is a Louisville based nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to safe water,

sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions worldwide.

For more than 30 years, WaterStep has equipped communities, schools, clinics, and disaster

response teams with sustainable tools and training that create lasting change.

When you participate in this 5k, you are supporting a local organization with global impact.

Register today and take steps toward safe water for all.

Start a Fundraiser

For those who would like to help WaterStep further their cause please consider participating in

the Peer 2 Peer Fundraising Opportunity at the link below:

https://www.justgiving.com/charity/edgeoutreachinc

Donate Page

Can’t Run? You Can Still Make a Difference!

Even if you're not lacing up for the Steps for Safe Water 5k on April 19th, 2026, at Lynn Family

Stadium, you can still be part of the movement.

Every single day, millions of people walk an average of 3 miles just to collect water, and too

often it isn’t safe to drink.

Your donation helps change that.

By giving today, you’re supporting WaterStep’s mission to provide sustainable safe water,

sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions to communities around the world. Your generosity

helps fund training, equipment, and long term solutions that empower local leaders to create

lasting change.

Your gift today turns into a meaningful impact!

Dash on over to the Zoo to take part in Louisville’s only road race that doesn’t just go around the Zoo but actually “Throo” the Zoo. Enjoy an early morning adventure where you watch as the Zoo wakes up! Join us on May 9th at 8:00 am for one amazing Louisville Zoo experience.

Packet pick-up will take place on Friday, May 8th from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm in the bus lot at the Louisville Zoo (1100 Trevilian Way, 40213). If you are unable to pick up your packet or have a friend/family member pick it up for you on Friday, we will have a limited packet pick-up on race morning from 6:45 am until 7:45 am. Please plan to arrive early enough to get your bib and get to the start line on time.

Get ready to run through one of Louisville's most historic parks! The Olmsted 5K at Shawnee Park is an exciting race for all levels of runners and walkers, set against the scenic backdrop of Shawnee Park, designed by the legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Enjoy a beautiful course that highlights the lush green spaces, tree-lined paths, and scenic views of the Ohio River that Shawnee has to offer.

This race is a proud part of the Derby City Omnium weekend – an action-packed celebration of cycling and fitness in Louisville! After the 5K, stick around to cheer on the competitive cyclists as they battle for position at high speed in thrilling circuit races. It’s a great opportunity to see athletes from all disciplines come together for an unforgettable day of sports and community spirit.

• 5K run/walk for all skill levels

• Scenic route through Shawnee Park

• Chip timing for accurate race results

• Prizes for top overall male and female finishers

• T-shirts for all registered participants

• Post-race refreshments and fun community atmosphere

• Enjoy the Derby City Omnium bike races after the 5K and watch the riders in action!

Beautiful Cherokee Park in Louisville will once again host the "Candace's Cause 5K". Enjoy the park's many landmarks and points of interest, all the while walking and/or running to support a worthwhile organization dedicated to finding a cure for DIPG - a rare form of pediatric brain tumor that has affected so many of our kids in this region.

This year's race is being ran on DIPG Awareness Day throughout the Commonwealth.

Packet Pickup

Packet Pickup will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8 to 9 am at Cherokee Park.

Race Information

The run will begin at 9 am EDT at Cherokee Park. The start and finish are at the water fountain at the rugby field on the Scenic loop near Baringer Hill Path.

Registration

Registration is $25 per runner. Runners who register through May 1, 2026, will receive a free race-day t-shirt. (Due to t-shirt printing deadlines, shirts cannot be guaranteed after the 5/1/26 date) Online registration will remain open until the 9 am start time of the event. Registering on your phone is quick and easy. Cash registrations will also be taken on race day.

Awards

Top Three Male & Female finishers will receive special awards.

Water Stops & Aid Station

We will offer a water/ hydration station about 1.5 miles into the loop.

Swags 5K – Kicking Off the Iroquois Hill Runners Summer Series

Join us on Tuesday, May 26th at 6:30 PM for the Swags 5K, the first race in the Iroquois Hill Runners Summer Series! This community event features a donation-based entry—give what you can, run with purpose.

Each finisher earns a commemorative pin, part of a collectible set unique to the Summer Series.

This year’s race supports the Swag Hartel Generosity Initiative, a nonprofit that funds:

• Access to high-quality footwear for those in financial need

• The Kenyan Kids Foundation

• Kids Finish First

Bonus Perks for Donors:

• Donate $10 or more to be entered into a shoe giveaway

• Donate $30 or more and receive a Swags Tech T-Shirt

Run local. Give back. Make it count.

21st Annual Run/Walk for Autism

5K and 1 Mile Walk

Greetings Participants,

We want to inform you of an important update regarding this event. Participants now upload their own race times. We look forward to your participation and hope this change enhances your overall experience with us.

FEAT of Louisville is a 501c3 organization whose mission since 1999 is dedicated to “Easing the autism journey, through a network created for families by families, by providing ongoing support, education, programs, and resources.

This year we are hosting our annual Run/Walk for Autism to raise funds to assist with several of our programs including the Endeavor Preschool Program for children with autism, Bluegrass Center for Autism Vocational Program, the Autism Friendly Business Initiative that assists families in integrating into our community, the Get Your FEAT Wet Swim Program, the Dreams in Motion summer camp and several more.

For 20 years, FEAT of Louisville's annual Run/Walk for Autism has dedicated participants, sponsors and vendors who assist in raising funds and awareness for autism. Join us in person or virtually as we run for autism.

Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the US with 1 in 31 being diagnosed, FEAT of Louisville is growing to meet the ever increasing needs of our families. FEAT's mission to ease the autism journey is one that will never change in concept but only in our enthusiasm to get more accomplished.

Our strength as a community is powered by love and built on the commitment of individuals like you. Create a team, join a team or do it on your own. Run, walk and fundraise with your family to enhance the lives of families living with autism.

Connect with us: www.featoflouisville.org

Run/Walk for Autism 5K and 1 mile walk starts at 9:00AM

This is a rain/shine event. There will be no refunds.

Virtual participants will need to pick up their packets at packet pickup on Friday

This race is part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Run six races on our calendar and get a Run the 502 Finisher Medal with charms of all the races finished. Click here to register for the Run the 502.

NEW THIS YEAR, SAVE WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR REGISTRATION

Register a Family of Four and save $10 off the registration fee.

Lace up your running shoes and join us for a fun, family-friendly event that supports a great cause!

The Parklands & WLKY 5K helps fund the annual maintenance and operations of The Parklands, a visitor-and-donor supported public park system that receives no tax dollars for annual operations. Your registration ensures the park remains safe, clean, fun, and beautiful—365 days a year, for free.

The 5K will begin at 8:30 AM on Saturday, June 6th, in Beckley Creek Park. This 3.1-mile walk/run features a course that combines road sections with the scenic Louisville Loop trail. Both in-person and virtual options are available, and each participant will receive a race medal and a 2026 t-shirt.

The Parklands & WLKY 5K supports the annual maintenance and operations of The Parklands of Floyds Fork. The Parklands is one of the largest visitor-and-donor supported public park systems in the country and receives no tax dollars for annual operations. Open 365 days a year at no charge to visitors, it is one of the region's most popular destinations and has nearly 4 million visits each year.

The Parklands features over 60 miles of trails for hiking and biking—including a mountain bike park and a 19-mile, ADA-certified, multi-use paved trail that spans the length of the park—and 22 miles of paddling trail along Floyds Fork. Help us continue providing safe, clean, fun, and beautiful park experiences by registering for the Parklands & WLKY 5K today!

For those participants who sign up for the Virtual 5K, you will be able to complete the race at any time and any place. Please submit your results on the registration website from Friday June 5th through Monday June 8th.

Race entry includes:

• Short sleeve tech race shirt

• Finisher medal

• Free race photography

• Post race refreshments

The Parklands & WLKY 5K is on Saturday, June 6th. This 3.1-mile run/walk will start and finish at the Egg Lawn at Beckley Creek Park. Runners and walkers will go out on the road, then return partly on the Louisville Loop. The race will start at 8:30 am.

First we run, then we eat pizza!

Join us on Tuesday, June 9th for this fun 5k. The race starts at 6:30 p.m. near the Iroquois Amphitheater. We recommend getting there early to allow plenty of time for parking and check-in. This family friendly community event brought to you by the Iroquois Hill Runners provides the perfect opportunity to come out and attempt your first 5K or put your yourself to the test and break a PR. The rolling course around the base of Iroquois Park is full of ample beauty to enjoy while avoiding the hustle and bustle of traffic.

DID SOMEBODY SAY PIZZA?

YES! Iroquois Hill Runners is partnering with Craft House Pizza to provide pizza to all of those who join us. Run the 5K and build up your appetite, then stay and hang out with the awesome running community cheering in others as they finish.

Packet Pick-Up

Packet pick-up will be on-site prior to the race start. We will be setup about 5 PM to Check-in participants and assists with race day registrations. We do ask that if at all possible, please register early or on your phone to save time in line for race day registration.

Parking

Iroquois Park has ample parking at the amphitheater and playground to accommodate everyone. PLEASE DO NOT park on the grass.

Course Description

Starting near the Iroquois Park Amphitheater the race rides the rolling hills at the base of Iroquois Park finishing next to the Amphitheater parking lot.

Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe

Summer weather can get a bit warm in Louisville. Be sure to hydrate well before, during and after the race. We will have bottled water available at the finish line.

Check out upcoming events:

IHR Ice Cream Social: 7/14/2026

IHR Midnight Hill Climb: 7/24/2026

IHR Toys for Tots Poker Run: 08/11/2026

IHR Thanksgiving Day Run: 11/26/2026

This race is part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Run six races on our calendar and get a Run the 502 Finisher Medal with charms of all the races finished. Click here to register for the Run the 502.

NEW THIS YEAR, SAVE WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR REGISTRATION

Register a Family of Four and save $10 off the registration fee.

Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to run the Louisville Bats 5k, the only race where you finish the last ¼ mile with a lap around the diamond at Louisville Slugger Field!*

Course will start and finish outside the back gate on Witherspoon

Race entry includes:

• Two ticket vouchers, good for any 2026 Louisville Bats home game (Some exclusions apply. Vouchers will be in your packet at packet pickup.)

• 2026 Bats 5K Finisher Medal

• Technical Running Socks

• Race Photo with Buddy Bat

• Discount when you register a Family of Four

*weather permitting

This race is part of the River City Races Run the 502 series. Run six races on our calendar and get a Run the 502 Finisher Medal with charms of all the races finished. Click here for more details and to register for the Run the 502.

THE 2026 ST. MATTHEWS INDEPENDENCE DAY 5K IS NOW SOLD OUT

REGISTRATION FOR THE LITTLE PATRIOT FUN RUN IS STILL OPEN

Just Added! Little Patriot Fun Run, sponsored by Goldfish Swim School

Just for the 9 and under crowd!

Distances: 6 and Under: 1776 inches (49 yards); ages 7-9 250 feet (84 yards)

Date: July 3rd

Time: promptly at 4pm to open the Freedom Fest street festival (which runs 4-9pm)

Where: Independence Bank, 3901 Shelbyville Rd.

Cost: $10

Registration is still open for the Fun Run and the first 25 to register will receive a Malibu Jack's play card plus a finisher medal and a finisher certificate.

Bibs for the Kids Fun Run will be distributed during the 5k packet pickup, and also right before the run. All participants will receive a goodie bag compliments of Goldfish Swim School.

Please note the Little Patriot Fun Run is on Friday, July 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at Independence Bank, 3902 Shelbyville Rd.

NEW THIS YEAR, SAVE WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR REGISTRATION

Register a Family of Four and save $10 off the registration fee.

Join us at 8:00 am on Saturday morning, July 4th for the St. Matthews Independence Day 5K, presented by Independence Bank. This race has its origins back to the 1970's (with the course unchanged) in what was then called the St. Matthews Pavement Pounder. This fun and fast timed race begins and ends at St. Matthews Baptist Church (3515 Grandview Avenue). Walkers are welcome!

Race will be limited to the first 700 registrants so don't miss out, register sooner than later. Race has sold out the past four years!

Entry includes:

NEW THIS YEAR! RACE MEDAL FOR ALL FINISHERS!

• Closed course through St. Matthews neighborhoods

• Choice of unisex short sleeve tech shirt or women's tech tank

• Chip timing with online results

• On-site parking

• Free race photos

• Race goodie bag with packet pickup

• Post race food and vendor booths

• Lots of awards and door prizes

Awards and door prize drawings will take place in the parking lot following the race.

Our 2026 Charity

St. Matthews Baptist Church’s annual “Love 40207” campaign.

“Love 40207” is the church’s commitment to be an active and positive member in and within the community. This past year the church reached people all over the 40207 area through “Love 40207”--working in dozens of locations doing such things as working in the community missions garden, visiting shut-ins, doing home repairs for the elderly, putting together care packages for frontline workers, providing resources for local cyclists, making blankets for those in need, doing local park clean-up, and beautifying St. Matthews Elementary.

The church is proud to also partner with St. Matthews Area Ministries (St. MAM) as part of “Love 40207” and throughout the year to provide additional services and programs to the community. Race proceeds directly benefit St. MAM as well.