12 events in Louisville, Kentucky
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find trail running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Louisville
12 events in Louisville-
Sun, Apr 19, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Start Time is 8 AM Sunday April 19th at Hogan's Fountain in Cherokee Park.
The Goatman Race is the first in a series of trail runs through Louisville's beautiful parks. This is a family and beginner friendly five mile run through the trails of Cherokee Park. We'll start at Hogan's Fountain and make our way around the park.
When you think of Kentucky Cryptids, particularly in the Louisville area, what is one of the most well known....GOATMAN! The Goatman is a cryptid who is said to be half-man, half-goat. Although his origins are unknown, the most popular origin story is that he had once been a scientist who worked at Beltsville Agriculture Research Center in Maryland, who experimented on goats. Unfortunately, during one of these experiments, he was mutated into a goat/human hybrid, and went insane. The Kentucky Goatman has a similar origin story who is said to have been a goat farmer who sold his soul to Satan in exchange for immortality or dark magic. As many stories have been told, the Kentucky Goatman lures his victims to the trestle bridge near Pope Lick often just before a train crosses the bridge leaving his victims 90 feet up on a 700 foot long bridge.*
*Please never trespass on the bridge in search of Goatman. Multiple untimely deaths as well as heavy fines and penalties for those who venture too far.
Awards
Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female.
Series Awards
These awards are not strictly for the fastest. We will be recognizing the oldest to complete the entire series. youngest to complete the entire series, fastest to complete the entire series and likely a few fun other awards along the way. So you will want to try to get in on these fun awards.
Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
Course Description
The Start/Finish line will be near Hogan's Fountain. Heading to the right onto the trail following the main 5 Mile Trail Loop.
LINK to Course Map
LINK to Course Preview Video
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be on-site near Hogan's Fountain prior to race start. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.
T-Shirts
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. Or use the link at the top of the page. Be sure to place your order by the first week of April!
Parking--ARRIVE EARLY & CARPOOL
We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. Carpool as much as possible. Parking is limited at Hogan’s Fountain. 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.
Water/Snacks
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
Virtual Option
If you plan to run any of the races virtually, sign up as in person and shoot us a quick email.
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Sun, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM
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Sat, Jun 06, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
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.
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Sat, Jun 13, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Finish 3 of the 4 races (In-person or Virtual) and receive a fun cryptid medal and series survivor shirt!
Date Shifted to Saturday June 13th due to event conflict
The Mothman Race is the second in a series of trail runs through Louisville's beautiful parks. This is a family and beginner friendly six mile run through the trails of Waverly Park. We'll start at the playground and make our way winding through Waverly Park.
The Mothman is a cryptid who follows is said to be a red-eyed humanoid winged creature seen by some as a harbinger of doom. Mothman sighting accounts come from across West Virginia and Kentucky, to the greater Appalachian region. From the 1960's to present day sightings continue to be reported.
Awards
Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female / Non-Binary Winners.
You will want to complete 3 of the 4 races either In-person or Virtually to earn your Cryptid Series Survivor Medal and Shirt!
Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
Course Description
The Start/Finish line will be near playground.
LINK to Course Map
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be on-site near pavilion prior to race start. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.
T-Shirts
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
We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. Carpool as much as possible. Parking is limited at Waverly Park. 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.
Water/Snacks
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
Virtual Option
If you plan to run any of the races virtually, sign up as in person and shoot us a quick email.
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Sun, Jun 21, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
WOOHOO!!! We are so excited to be doing our run in the Parklands again this year! Participants run five (timed with awards) or three (fun run but timed) miles through the beautiful trails of Turkey Run Park (Parklands of Floyd Fork) to benefit Second Chances Wildlife Center. Second Chances is a nonprofit that provides Environmental Education programs to the Louisville area community. They also offer wildlife rehabilitation and safe release of injured and orphaned animals. Race proceeds and additional donations go back to saving our local wildlife. This pays for medicines, cleaning supplies, vet visits, formula, food, etc. Thank you for your support.
Runners receive a custom series medal and long sleeve hoodie tech tee. Car seat covers (keep your sweat to yourself!) available to purchase the day of race. Runners have a chance to meet one of the Second Chances Animal Ambassadors! Non-releasable Educational Animal Ambassadors have lifetime sanctuary at Second Chances. The course is a five miles (or three) of single track, wooded trail through beautiful Turkey Run. Elevation about 600. Starting and ending by Brown Forman Silo, the course is great for beginners and veteran runners alike. There are some roots and rocks, mostly on the first mile. Door prizes and overall awards for top 3 male and female runners (gift certificates) for the FIVE MILE. If the trails are too muddy to run due to rain, we will be on the paved path, which still makes for a lovely run.
Again this year, we have a fun little twist. We will have a few hidden raccoons along the course. If you find one, you can turn it in for a door prize. One per person. Of course if your goal is strictly speed, just wave to the animals as you run past them. We will have other door prizes with a drawing.
A water stop will be located at the midway point on the course. In accordance with our environmental friendly stance, this is a cup free race. Please bring your own reusable cup or water bottle.
A photographer will be there to capture the spirit of the morning. Say cheese!
Plenty of snacks at the end. Second Chances’ volunteers will be making you some goodies. We plan to have Kentucky Hop Water giving out free hop water. Stay and socialize for a bit. Door prizes at 10AM.
There is a 3 mile FUN run/walk option. This will be timed for your benefit, but no awards.
Packet Pickup: TBA Saturday 2-5PM and race morning starting at 7:45am. $40 (3 mile) $45 (5 mile) registration the morning of race.
Thank you to our sponsor Tippi McTyeire. (Working on a couple others so stay tuned!) Thank you to Bigfoot Timing for supporting us with the best timing in our area! Thank you to the Parklands for hosting us and helping to make this happen!
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Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
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.
NEW THIS YEAR, SAVE WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR REGISTRATION
Register a Family of Four and save $10 off the registration fee.
Celebrating it's 23rd year, the Dr. Ed Morgan/Kiwanis Grand Slam 4 Miler is a four mile run/walk through beautiful Waterfront Park in the morning and a baseball game that evening. What a perfect way to spend a summer Saturday. All registrants receive their choice of a cotton blend, tech shirt or women's tech tank (only pre-registered will be guaranteed a shirt on race day) or get two for an additional $10.
Race entry includes:
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Choice of short sleeve cotton blend shirt, short sleeve wicking tech shirt or women's only wicking tank
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Finisher medal
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Post race breakfast
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Door prize drawings
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Team competition
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Raise $150 for Big Brothers Big Sisters or Heuser Hearing Institute and your entry fee is on us!
VIRTUAL RUN
A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose. You can run, jog, or walk on the road, on the trail, on a treadmill or track. You get to run your own race, at your own pace. Virtual runners not eligible for awards.
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Sun, Aug 16, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Finish 3 of the 4 races (In-person or Virtual) and receive a fun cryptid medal and series survivor shirt!
The Wolfman Race is the third in a series of trail runs through Louisville's beautiful parks. This is a seven mile run through the trails of Iroquois Park. We'll start near the amphitheater winding through Iroquois Park.
Wolfman / Dogman / Upright Walking Canid Cryptids while there are may names for these beasts, Kentucky has its fair share of reports and stories. The most well known is likely the Beast of LBL (Land Between the Lakes). Closer to Louisville we have the Beast of Bullitt County. Reports of sightings of these beasts come from across the state. Many describe the beast as around 7 Ft tall, with dog/werewolf type features, walking upright through the shadows. Some suggest this cryptid has roots to Shawnee shaman.
Awards
Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female / Non-Binary Winners.
You will want to complete 3 of the 4 races either In-person or Virtually to earn your Cryptid Series Survivor Medal and Shirt!
Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
Course Description
The Start/Finish line will be near the amphitheater.
See Course Map Below, Link to GPX file is here.
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be on-site near pavilion prior to race start. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.
T-Shirts
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
We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. 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.
Water/Snacks
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
Virtual Option
If you plan to run any of the races virtually, sign up as in person and shoot us a quick email.
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Sun, Aug 30, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
Blackacre Barnstormer 4 & 8 mile trail race benefiting Blackacre Conservancy!
Come out and enjoy a one of a kind experience running through the trails of Blackacre Nature Preserve. Starting near the Tyler Homestead and Historic Barn, this years course will traverse both field and trail. Spy goats, cows and other farm animals along the way.
Finisher Medals
Check out the finisher medal below.
Packet Pick Up
Packet pick-up will be on-site race day. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.
Awards
Each race will have awards for Overall Male & Female
All finishers will receive our Unique Blackacre Barnstormer medal.
Additionally, race shirts featuring the Barnstorming Goat are available for $5 to any and all who would like to order one from the RunSignUp race page Store.
Post Race Refreshments
We will have ice cream cups at the finish line along with pre-packaged snack items post race. A perfect way to cool down and great excuse to stick around and socialize post race.
Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
Course Description
After talking to many who have previous run Blackacre trails and running them many times over the past few weeks, we believe we have mapped out a course which sticks to more trails and less Cross Country style running, as well as taking participants to areas possibly less traveled previously. We start near the 1790 Double Crib Barn and follow the lane to jump on the Sunrise Meadow trail. This section runs along the tree line and meadow area. About the 1 mile mark we dip into the woods on the Waterfall Trail. This section is a bit rocky in places but beautiful. As we near Mile 2 we pass one of the oldest White Oaks in Kentucky following a lollypop loop on the Cattail Pond trail. Heading back toward the homestead, we will dip to the right and run past the Spring House. Following along side the barn we will head out toward Dragonfly Pond. From Dragonfly Pond we will figure 8 the Sunset Trail and say Hello to the goats as we make out way to the barn. Passing through the barn you will loop
around Dragonfly Pond one more time and finish next to the Presley Tyler homestead. 8 Milers will continue for a second loop while the 4 Milers finish at the arch.
See Course Map Below
Link to Garmin Course Map and GPX File: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/392247115
T-Shirts
Shirts for this series are an optional add-on. This keeps the cost of the race reasonable for families and those who have way too many race shirts. 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. Or use the link at the top of the page. Be sure to place your order no later than 2 weeks before race day.
Parking--ARRIVE EARLY & CARPOOL
We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. A large portion of parking will be in a grass field. We want to be respectful of the property 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.
Water/Snacks
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
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Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 8:30 AMSee full details
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.
SAVE WITH A FAMILY OF FOUR REGISTRATION
Register a Family of Four and save $10 off the registration fee.
Now in its 23rd year, Bark in the Park is ACS’ longest-running annual event–and it’s bigger and better than ever! The day kicks off with a professionally timed 5K or a more leisurely 1-mile Woof Walk, where participants are welcome to walk, jog, stroll, or run through the scenic trails of The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Beckley Creek Park.
As soon as the race beings, the festivities continue with a lively family-friendly festival featuring pet-friendly vendors, live entertainment, an exciting interactive lure course for dogs, costume contests, kids’ activities, our beloved Pet of the Year contest and so much more!
Make sure you stick around for the Festival after the race!
Would you like to donate much needed items instead of making a cash donation? Below are the most needed items and QR codes to scan to Amazon, Chewy and Kuranda Beds. Just scan, pick an item and it will be delivered directly to the Animal Care Society!
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Sun, Oct 04, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
The Bigfoot Race is the fourth in a series of trail runs through Louisville's beautiful parks. This is an eight mile run through the trails of Jefferson Memorial Forest. We'll start at Horine Reservation and make our way winding through Red/Orange Trails with a couple miles toward the Welcome Center and back.
5 Mile Option Added! If you are a bit timid to tackle the 8 Miler at JMF, then we have some good news for you! We have added a 5 mile option to the race. Just let us know at check-in and we can adjust your registration in seconds. Not registered yet, but that 5 mile option sounds too tempting to pass up, register today!
Bigfoot! We have reached our favorite Big Guy! From Native American stories and early pioneer accounts to present day reports of Sasquatch, Night Howler, Yeahoh (Yahoo), Wild Man, Ohio Howler, Hebbardsville Hillbilly, Spottsville Monster, Big Mo to name a few, Bigfoot is no stranger to Kentucky. Of all Cryptids, Bigfoot has a very long history around the world and is even protected by law in places. We close out the Kentucky Cryptid Trail Series recognizing the Big Guy!
Awards
Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female.
You will want to complete 3 of the 4 races either In-person or Virtually to earn your Cryptid Series Survivor Medal and Shirt!
Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
Restrooms
Those familiar with JMF will already know the drill, but for those who are new, there are classic outhouse restrooms at the start/finish area. Some fondly refer to these as the outhouses from hell. There are additional portable restrooms about 1/8 mile down the gravel campground lane which are much cleaner and better maintained. All of these will be open and accessible to race participants.
On Course Water Stop
We will have an on course water stop for the 8 Milers as you come back off of the Red trail heading out toward the lake. 5 Milers will have plenty of water and refreshments awaiting them at the finish area. Just a reminder our trail races are cupless. Please bring your own water bottle or hydration vest. This greatly reduces litter and waste from our trail events.
Course Description
The Start/Finish line will be near the gate to the campground in the parking lot.
Course Map (below). https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/308088120
Course Preview Video: https://youtu.be/wN9o8K2iZEk
Alternate 5 Miler Option:
Course Map: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/307887667
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be on-site near the parking lot prior to race start. We will be set up and ready for you about 7:00 AM. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.
T-Shirts
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
We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. Carpool as much as possible. Parking is limited at Horine Reservation. 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.
Water/Snacks
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
Virtual Option
If you plan to run any of the races virtually, sign up as in person and shoot us a quick email.
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Sun, Dec 13, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
Beat the winter blues and stay motivated by participating in our brand new Winter Warrior Series! Each race will highlight a different local park and keep you motivated for spring racing. This time we are hitting the trails of Waverly park for a 6.6 mile loop or go all out for a half marathon.
Will there be a virtual option? Yes! As with our Cryptid series in the summer, the Winter Warrior Series does offer a virtual option by request and we bump everyone over who did not finish in person to this option after the race. Instructions will be sent after the race with details of how to complete the virtual option. That said, virtual finishers count toward the Winter Warrior status, but are not eligible for Event or Series awards.
Complete all of the Winter Warrior Series to earn your Warrior status.
Deam Lake Winter Warrior
Waverly Winter Warrior
Rose Island Winter Warrior
Ol' Silty Winter Warrior
Awards
Each race will have awards for Overall Male / Female.
You will want to complete 3 of the 4 races to earn your Winter Warrior Medal and Shirt!
Stay Hydrated & Stay Safe
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.
Restrooms
We will be using the on-site restrooms near the start line.
Aid Station
We will have an aid station about halfway through the course. Just a reminder our trail races are cupless. Please bring your own water bottle or hydration vest. This greatly reduces litter and waste from our trail events.
Course Description
The Start/Finish line will be near the Playground Parking Lot.
We will be starting at the Playground heading toward the lake. Just past the lake the course enters the trail next to the dog park follows the right most trail options for the majority of the course. As always we plan to have bright colored course markings throughout the course as confidence markers. Trails included are the Twisting Bends, Clinic Loop, and Fresh Air Loops. Total course distance will be between 6 and 6.5 miles.
Course: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/245269882
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be on-site at the Playground Parking Lot. We will be set up and ready for you about 8:00 AM. Please plan to pick-up your race packet with enough time to allow for pinning your bib before race start.
T-Shirts
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
We ask that you plan to arrive early for parking. Carpool as much as possible. Parking is limited at Playground Parking Lot. 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.
Water/Snacks
This event is CUPLESS. Please bring your own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup. Bottled Water will be available in limited supply. Water and pre packaged snacks will be available post race.
Local Clubs & Organizations
Showing 5 of 9 · View all Louisville organizations-
Club[email protected] (502) 315-9881
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Club
USA Swimming Club. 117 members.
[email protected] +1 502-802-1990 -
Club
USA Swimming Club. Club Excellence: Gold. 495 members.
[email protected] +1 502-451-4333 -
Club[email protected] (317) 650-6211
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GroupSee full details
Louisville Race Club started in 2018 when four friends recognized a gap in their city's running landscape. They wanted a crew built on radical inclusivity, so they founded one. Now roughly 100 runners of all backgrounds and paces gather regularly, united by a simple mantra: Run As You Are. There's no gatekeeping here, no qualifying times, just people who show up for each other and the miles. The crew meets every 1st and 3rd Saturday at Gravely Brewing for a 5K, a ritual that's become the heartbeat of Louisville's most welcoming running community.