Hoptown Half Marathon and 5K

The 8th Annual Hoptown Half Marathon & 5K is a joint road race through Hopkinsville, KY, scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026. The updated Half Marathon and 5K courses will Start and Finish in the front of the iconic Christian County Justice Center.

The Half Marathon course winds through downtown Hopkinsville, residential areas, through beautiful Christian County countryside, and returns to finish downtown on the Hopkinsville Greenway/Rail Trail. The Half Marathon course also includes the unique quarter-mile Rail Trail bridge, the longest non-water bridge span in Kentucky.  

Half Marathon and 5K runner packages include a unique medal and long-sleeve moisture-wicking performance shirt.

Come experience the beauty and charm of west Kentucky scenery and hospitality in Hopkinsville - or Hoptown as we call it - at the Hoptown Half Marathon & 5K.

The race Start/Finish line and race day packet pickup is in front of the Christian County Justice Center, 100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville, KY  42240.

• 2025 Race Results
• 2024 Race Results
• 2023 Race Results
• 2022 Race Results

How do I register?

Registration is available online through October 17, 2026. 

Is there a limit to the number of participants?

No.

Where do I pickup my packet?

Packets may be picked up Friday, October 16, 2026 at the Thomas Street Recreation Center (located at 2600 Thomas Street Hopkinsville, KY 42240) from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM. There is also packet pickup the morning of the race in the parking lot of the Justice Center, 100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville KY from 6:00 AM until 7:30 AM.

Can someone else pickup my packet for me?
Yes. They will need a copy of your photo ID and race confirmation.

Can I pickup my packet on race morning?

Yes, but if at all possible, please try to pick up your packet the day before. Race day packet pickup will be available from 6:00AM-7:30AM in the Justice Center parking lot at 100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville KY.

Will I receive a finisher's medal?

Yes, all finishers will receive the a 2026 medal for either the Hoptown Half Marathon or 5K.

Will I receive a shirt?

Yes, all finishers will receive a long-sleeved technical performance shirt.

Is the race timed?

The Half Marathon and 5k are chip-timed by Bluegrass Timing. Your chip timer will be located on the back of your race bib. Your bib must be worn in the FRONT on the outermost layer of clothing, so that it is visible, to be timed.

Are there awards for the top finishers?

Yes. The top 3 overall in the Half Marathon & 5K race will receive an award. These awards will be given at the finish of the race.

What are the age groups?

9 & 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 & over

Will there be age group awards?

Yes, the top 3 in each age group of the Half Marathon & 5K will receive an award. These awards will be given at the finish of the race.

What time does the race start?

• The Half Marathon starts at 8:00 AM

• The 5K starts at 8:20 AM

Where will the porta-pots be located?

The Justice Center parking lot (100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville KY), Founders Square (198 W. 9th St, Hopkinsville KY), near these mile markers along the half marathon course: 1,4,7,9, & 12, as well as these mile markers along the 5K course: 1, 2. There are flushing toilets near mile 11 at the Hopkinsville Dog Park on Pardue Lane, but they are slightly off the race course.

Will there be water/Gatorade along the course?

Yes, there will be water every 1-2 miles and Gatorade will be available near miles 4 and 10.

Will there be first aid stations on the course?

Yes. First aid kits will be available at the water stations near miles 4 and 10. They will also have sunscreen, hard candy, wooden sticks & Vaseline available upon request.

What time do I need to arrive on race morning?

Please try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the race.

Where is the start line?

The race will start AND finish at 100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville KY in front of the Christian County Justice Center building.

Can I register on race morning? 

Yes, but you must register on your own device. Paper forms and laptops will not be provided. Please come see us in the Justice Center parking lot at 100 Justice Way, Hopkinsville KY to pick up your packet.

Will the race be canceled if it's raining?

No, the race will go on rain or shine. In the event of lightning, we may delay the start of the race.

Where do I park?

There are multiple free parking lots located downtown, including the Justice Center.

Do you need volunteers?

Most definitely! Volunteers play a vital role in our success! You can sign up on our volunteer page HERE.

Does the race benefit a specific group?
Each year a portion of the race proceeds benefit a local group/organization. The 2026 beneficiaries have not been determined.

Can I change my mind and get a refund?

Sorry, but like most races, we cannot offer a refund for circumstances other than a cancellation of the race.

Can I switch race events?
Sorry, but like most races, participants cannot switch races after registering. We can transfer a registration to a new participant if you are able to find someone to take your place for the original event. Then you can re-register for a different event. Any participant transfers must be submitted prior to October 12th, 2026.
 

Will I receive a refund if the race is canceled?

Yes. We will refund your race fee if we have to cancel the race.

Can I run with my dog?

Sorry, no pets are allowed on the race course.

Can I run with a stroller?

Yes, but please start towards the back of the pack.

Are bicycles, skateboards, or rollerblades allowed?

No. The only bicycles allowed on the course are official race volunteers.

Can I walk?

Absolutely! There is a course time limit of 4 hours for the Half Marathon and 1 hour for the 5K. Walkers must finish under these times. Please start towards the back of the pack.

Will the road be completely closed?

Portions of the road will be open as needed to allow traffic through. In these areas, runners will need to run on the left side of the road.  Course monitors and safety personnel will assist with traffic along the course.

Where is the route?

Half Marathon: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2880052?units=miles

5K: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2880056?units=miles

It's finally here. RACE WEEK! Thank you so much for registering for the 7th Annual Hoptown Half Marathon & 5K, presented by Planters Bank and Jennie Stuart Health. 

Please read this COMPLETE race update. It has important instructions and information. If you have any questions that are not answered below, please do not hesitate to reach out to us through our Facebook page or call the Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Department at 270-887-4290.

We want you to have the best race experience possible!

PACKET PICK-UP
You will be able to pick up your packets on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 11:00am to 6:00pm at the Thomas Street Recreation Center, located at 2600 Thomas Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240.

VIRTUAL RACE
If you have chosen the virtual option, we will be mailing out shirts and medals with a few weeks AFTER race day. If you prefer to pick up your packet in person Friday, you are welcome to. You may complete the race wherever and whenever you choose! No need to send us your finishing times. 

If you would like to switch your in-person registration to the virtual option, please let us know before Friday so that we have time to process the changes in our system.

Please have with you a copy of your photo ID and race confirmation email. If you have taken advantage of the Military or First Responder Discount, please also bring your proper identification, as specified during your registration process. Someone else may pick up your packet on your behalf, but they MUST present a copy of your photo ID AND RACE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. Packets will include your bib number and the unique long sleeve dri-fit race shirt (Half & 5K).

Please plan to pick up your packet on Friday. If that is not possible, however, you may pick it up downtown in the Christian County Justice Center parking lot, at 100 Justice Way, from 6:00am-7:30am on race morning.

REGISTRATION
If you have any registration changes, please contact us ASAP. As stated on our website, we do not offer refunds, however, we would be happy to transfer your registration to a different participant.

Registration will remain available online, as well as on-site at packet pickup on race morning, only via your device. Laptops will not be provided for registration. There will be a PRICE INCREASE at midnight on Thursday, October 16, 2025, so if any of your friends are procrastinating, be sure to remind them to register before then!

RACEJOY
Don't forget to download this app for FREE, before race day! You can invite your family and friends to track your progress along the course, and send cheers throughout the race!
Please see our website to download. 

RACE DAY
The starting line is located at 706 S. Main Street, in front of the City of Hopkinsville Municipal Building. 

These start times are firm. Please do not show up late to the race. The race will be chip-timed by Bluegrass Timing and results will be uploaded to our website as soon as they are available. You may also view your results through your RaceJoy app, if you input your information before the race start.

STARTING TIMES:
8:00 a.m. Planters Bank Hoptown Half Marathon 

8:20 a.m. Jennie Stuart Health 5K

PARKING
There is plenty of parking around downtown, but there will be limited spots in the Christian County Justice Center lot (100 Justice Way) on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will also be limited spots located at the Hopkinsville Municipal Building (715 S. Virginia Street), with several street spots around it, as well as lots at Virginia Street & 14th Street near Planters Bank. Other large downtown parking lots are located at First United Methodist Church and Second Baptist Church. We recommend you arrive early before route closures which limits vehicular access downtown. 

WEATHER
The race will take place rain or shine. Please make sure to drink plenty of fluids and bring your preferred source of electrolytes.

ALONG THE COURSE
The roads will be marked with signs alongside the road, as well as WHITE paint for the Half Marathon, and ORANGE paint for the 5K.

The roads will be PARTIALLY closed to traffic. Please make sure to stay to ONE SIDE of the road, as directed by officers along the course, so that vehicles can get through.

WATER STATIONS & FIRST AID
Water will be provided at eight (8) water stations along the Half Marathon course, and three (3) along the 5K course. Additionally, there will be Gatorade and aid stations at two (2) of the water stations. These are located near miles 4 and 10. Aid items available upon request include sunscreen, hard candy and Vaseline sticks. There will also be first-aid vehicles along the route, courtesy of the Christian Co. Emergency Management team.

We are giving cash prizes to the groups with the best cheer teams and water stations, and we'll be asking for your vote after the race. Be sure to look for that email!

PORTA-POTS
Porta-pots will be located in the Justice Center lot (100 Justice Way), Founders Square (198 W. 9th St), as well as on the course near miles 1, 4, 7, 9, 12/mile 2 of the 5K course. There are restrooms (slightly off the course) located near mile 11 on Pardue Lane at the Hopkinsville Dog Park. 

POST-RACE
Hopkinsville is the “Batter Capital of the World” so we will have pancakes available after the race, courtesy of our local Convention and Visitors Bureau. Thanks to Hopkinsville Kiwanis for their help in making the pancakes. We hope you enjoy the post-race carb load waiting for you in the Justice Center lot (100 Justice Way).

RESULTS & AWARDS
An awards ceremony will take place after the majority of participants have finished, and once we have the final age group finisher data. This will happen in front of the Christian County Justice Center. Awards will be presented in the following categories for each race distance:

- Overall: Awards presented to the top three overall male and female finishers in the Planters Bank Half Marathon and Jennie Stuart Health 5K

- Age Group: Awards presented to the first, second, and third place male and the first, second, and third place female finishers in each age division of the Planters Bank Half Marathon and Jennie Stuart Health 5K

If your name is called, please collect your award from the awards table. 
There is also a race backdrop at the awards area for your post-race photos and all the divisional winner photos. Please tag your photos with #HoptownHalf or #Hoptown5K and #Hopkinsville when you share them on social media.

SPONSOR SHOUT-OUT
This event WOULD NOT be possible without all our amazing sponsors. We are so incredibly grateful to each of them. Check out their Facebook pages and thank them for sponsoring the race by visiting their businesses. When you stop by, be sure to tell them that you saw them at the Hoptown Half Marathon & 5K! Please see below for a complete list of our sponsors.

Presented by:
Planters Bank (Half Marathon)
Jennie Stuart Health (5K)

Sponsored by:

Fleet Feet Clarksville

Chick-fil-A Hopkinsville

Hopkinsville-Christian Co. Convention and Visitors Bureau/Batter Capital of the World

Christian Co. Chamber Military Affairs Committee

Bikes & Moore

White Drive

Holiday Inn & Suites Hopkinsville

Hopkinsville Kiwanis

Krusteaz

Whew! That's a lot of information. In case you have a question that has not been answered in this email, please check out our FAQ page on the website, or reach out to us through one of the methods mentioned in the beginning of this email. We look forward to seeing you this weekend!

Happy Running!