Upcoming Races in Louisville, Kentucky 2026

Written By: Jeremy N

If you are looking for races in Louisville, Kentucky, you have come to the right place. Louisville has a growing running scene with 50 races listed in our directory, including 14 upcoming events in 2026. Whether you are lacing up for your first 5K or chasing a new personal record, there is something here for every runner.

Upcoming Races in Louisville, Kentucky

Here is a look at the top upcoming races in Louisville this year. We update our listings weekly so you always have the most current information.

Louisville Pure Tap® 5K

Date: August 29, 2026

Distance: 5K

Join this family-friendly 5K on August 29, 2026, presented by Louisville Water Company, where you’ll start and finish at the iconic Louisville Water Tower while enjoying beautiful views along River Road. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Kicking Butt 5K Run/Walk

Date: August 29, 2026

Distance: 5K

Get ready to embrace your inner superhero at this fun-filled 5K on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM at Waterfront Park in Louisvilleall while supporting the fight against colon cancer! Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Blackacre Barnstormer

Date: August 30, 2026

Join runners in Louisville, KY for a trail race that offers you a choice between 4 or 8 miles through the scenic grounds of Blackacre Nature Preserve, where you’ll run past farm animals and historic structures while supporting the Blackacre Conservancy. Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Hope Rescued’s 5K For Hope

Date: September 5, 2026

Distance: 5K

Get ready to run for a great cause at this year’s 5K benefiting Hope Rescued, a Louisville nonprofit tackling homelessness and human trafficking! Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k – Louisville

Date: September 5, 2026

Distance: 10K

Get ready for a fun-filled community running experience with distance options for everyonechoose from a half marathon, 10k, 5k, 1-mile fun run, or kids’ dash (ages 10 and under). Read full details →

Register for this Race →


2026 South End Second Mile Walk

Date: September 12, 2026

Join us on Saturday, September 12th from 8:45am to noon in Louisville for a two-mile walk that kicks off at Exodus Family Ministries (2020 Garrs Lane) and takes you to the track at Butler Traditional High School for some lapping fun before heading back to celebrate with food… Read full details →

Register for this Race →


9/11 Heroes Run – Louisville, KY

Date: September 12, 2026

Join us in Louisville for a 5K that celebrates the brave individuals who responded to 9/11 and continue serving our countrywhether you prefer to run, ruck, or walk, all fitness levels are welcome! Read full details →

Register for this Race →


Brain Aneurysm Foundation 5K – Louisville

Date: September 19, 2026

Distance: 5K

Join us in Louisville for a meaningful Run/Walk that celebrates the incredible community coming together to support those touched by brain aneurysmswhether you’re personally affected, cheering on someone close to you, or honoring a loved one’s memory. Read full details →

Register for this Race →

Why Run in Louisville?

Running events in Louisville offer a mix of community fun runs, charity 5Ks, and competitive road races throughout the year. The local running community is active and welcoming to runners of all levels — from first-timers to seasoned racers. Many of these events benefit local charities and organizations, making race day about more than just your finish time.

Find More Races in Kentucky

Louisville is just one part of a thriving Kentucky running scene. If you want to explore more events across the state, check out our full race listings for Kentucky — we track every upcoming running event from 1 mile fun runs to full marathons.

Get Ready to Race

Found a race you want to run? The next step is making sure you are properly trained for it. Whether you are a first-timer aiming to finish or a veteran chasing a PR, having the right training plan makes all the difference.

Take our free 3-question training plan quiz and get matched to the right plan for your fitness level in under a minute. We will send it straight to your inbox so you can start training today.

Good luck out there — see you at the finish line in Louisville!

Hi, Jeremy Here, 

I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journeyAbout Jeremy. 

I have run over 250 races including the California International Marathon, Clarksburg Country Run, and various other 5K & 10K races throughout the United States. I am a former Athletics department employee at University of the Pacific and Shoe Consultant with Dicks Sporting Goods

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