Horse Capital Marathon
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Event overview
The Horse Capital Marathon & Half Marathon is scheduled for April 11, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. The event takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground (3785 Campground Road, Lexington, KY 40511) and includes these options:
- 26.2 mi Marathon
- 13.1 mi Half Marathon
- Virtual Runner/Walker
- Race Volunteer
The marathon is open to ages 10 to 99; the half marathon is open to ages 8 to 99. Packet pickup is offered at J&H Outdoors (189 Moore Drive) on Thursday and Friday before the race, with a limited race-day pickup at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground area for out-of-town runners.
Course and aid stations
Both races start and finish at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground area, with a short paved section on the Legacy Trail at the beginning and end. The routes travel primarily on Central Kentucky country roads and pass more than 50 horse farms. The marathon route includes multiple out-and-back segments on roads such as Mt. Horeb Pike, Old Lemmons Mill, Huffman Mill Pike, and Iron Works Pike. The marathon has about 1,260 feet of elevation change and 17 hydration stations; the half marathon has about 570 feet of elevation change and 8 hydration stations. Hydration stations serve water and SWORD electrolyte drink in small cups; many stations provide portable restrooms and some later marathon stations offer bananas and salty snacks.
Logistics and charity
The event enforces a 6-hour maximum time to complete the marathon. All participants receive an annual commemorative performance shirt and a finisher medal. The race benefits Blue Grass Farms Charities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving people in Central Kentucky's thoroughbred industry. A complimentary beer is available for participants of legal drinking age. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.