Bourbon & Beyond 5K

The 2026 Bourbon & Beyond 5K takes place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at the Kentucky Expo Center (937 Phillips Ln.).

Pre-race festivities begin at 7 a.m. with music, light snacks and refreshments, giving runners and walkers plenty of time to warm up before the race begins at 8 a.m.

The course winds through the Kentucky Exposition Center grounds and Kentucky Kingdom, featuring a special Bourbon & Beyond playlist along the way. Participants will also enjoy live music at the finish line from the 2024 Bourbon & Beyond Battle of the Strings winner, Bourbon Revival.

The race will be professionally chip-timed, and all participants will receive a commemorative Bourbon & Beyond 5K short-sleeve race shirt and a custom finisher medal.

Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up will be held at Planet Fitness (4025 Poplar Level Rd., Louisville, KY 40213):

Thursday, Sept. 24 | 5 – 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 25 | 12 – 6 p.m.
Race Morning Packet Pick-Up
Kentucky Exposition Center (near the start line in Parking Lot E2):

Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7 – 7:45 a.m.

Race Details

How long is the race?
The Bourbon & Beyond 5K is a 3.1-mile race.

What time does the race start?
The race begins at 8 a.m. ET.

Is there a participant cap?
Yes. Registration is limited to the first 1,000 participants.

Are walkers allowed?
Yes, walkers are welcome to participate.

What time does the finish line close?
The finish line will close at 10 a.m.

 
Course & Event Logistics

Where are the start and finish lines located?
The start and finish lines are inside the Kentucky Expo Center behind Freedom Hall in Lot E2

Will there be water available on the course?
Yes. One water station will be available along the course. Participants may also bring their own water bottles.

Will restrooms be available?
Yes. Portable restrooms will be available at the start/finish line and at the water station.

 
Registration & Packet Pickup

When is the last day to register?
Online registration closes on Sept. 11, 2025, or when the race reaches capacity.
On-site registration will be available at packet pickup and on race day for $45 (cash or credit card accepted).

Is a military or first responder discount available?
Yes. Active U.S. military members, veterans, and first responders—including medical professionals—receive a 10% discount. To receive the discount, email proof of service to info@louisvillesports.org. A discount code will be provided.

Where and when can I pick up my race packet?

Planet Fitness: 4025 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY 40213
– Thur., Sept. 11, 5 – 8 pm
– Fri., Sept. 12, 12 –6 pm

Kentucky Exposition Center
– Sat. Sept. 13 (race morning), 7 – 7:45 am

Can someone else pick up my race packet for me?
Yes. They will need either a copy of your registration confirmation or a photocopy of your ID.

 
Timing, Results & Awards

Do I need to return my timing chip after the race?
No. Disposable timing chips will be used and do not need to be returned.

How can I find my race results?
Results will be available on the race website immediately following the race.

When is the awards ceremony?
The Awards Ceremony will begin at approximately 8:45 a.m. near the finish line.

Awards will be presented to men’s, women’s, and non-binary overall winners, as well as the top three finishers in each age group:

14 & under, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, and 75+.

 
Participant Guidelines

Are headphones or personal music devices allowed?
Yes. Headphones and personal music devices are permitted, but volume must be kept at a reasonable level so you can hear nearby participants and volunteers.

Are strollers permitted?
Yes. Strollers are allowed; however, participants with strollers will be asked to start at the back of the starting chute for safety reasons.

What types of wheelchairs are permitted?
Push-rim wheelchairs are the only style permitted. The top male and female wheelchair finishers will be recognized.

Are dogs allowed on the course?
Yes. Dogs must be leashed and current on vaccinations.

 
Parking & Transportation

Where should I park?
There will be free, on-site parking at the Kentucky Expo Center in Lots F and H. 

 
Participant Perks

What do participants receive?
All participants will receive a short-sleeved race shirt and a custom finisher medal.

 
Policies

What is the cancellation policy?
All registrations are non-refundable.

Take advantage of our referral program and Earn Cash Back!

When you register, you'll receive a special link to share with your friends and family.  When five people use that link to register, you'll receive a $35 refund.  That's a free registration!

Interested?  Follow these easy steps:

1. Register online

2. Grab your unique link from your RunSignUp Confirmation email

3. Start sharing! Social media, e-mail and text are all great places to start.

4. You'll get refunded as your friends register online through your unique link

*Please Note: Referral Refunds will be awarded once you have reached 5 referrals. Please allow 2 business weeks for processing. The amount will be applied to the credit card on file with your RunSignUp account.

Be sure to take advantage of our new referral program!