FAQs
What time does the race start?
The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon begins at 8 a.m. ET.; the Urban Bourbon 5K begins at 8:15 a.m.
Is there a capacity limit (cap) on the races?
Yes, this year’s Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is capped at 2,800 participants. The Urban Bourbon 5K is capped at 500 participants.
May walkers participate in the Half Marathon?
Yes, walkers may participate, but they must be able to keep a 18:00 minute per mile pace as the course will close at 12 p.m. Roads will reopen at this pace and course services are not guaranteed to be available past this time.
Where is the Start Line?
The location for the Half Marathon and 5K start line will be at S. 6th and W. Main Streets in downtown Louisville, Ky.
Where is the Finish Line?
The location for the Half Marathon and 5K finish line will be on S. 4th Street between Jefferson and Liberty Streets in downtown Louisville, Ky.
Where is the Urban Bourbon Bash?
The Urban Bourbon Bash will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Fourth Street Live! All our registered participants are invited to the award-winner post-race Bash, with live music by the Louisville Crashers. UBHM registrants receive bourbon samples, beer, pizza and soup as part of their registration. Our UB5K participants can purchase a discounted wristband for $20 to enjoy the same bourbon samples, beer, pizza and soup.
Where do I get my race packet?
Packet pickup for those participating in the Half Marathon and 5K will take place on Friday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St. You will need a valid photo ID that shows date of birth (e.g., driver’s license or student ID).
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
YES. Someone can pick up your race bib and shirt at Friday’s Packet Pick-up but must have a copy of your ID or race registration confirmation. There will be a dedicated line for third-party pick-ups. New this year, the race bib design will incorporate the Bourbon Bash offerings. If someone is picking up for you, you will receive a bib without the Bourbon Bash offerings. You will instead need to show your ID to pick up a wristband at the post-race Urban Bourbon Bash at the northern entrance to Fourth Street Live! The wristband will provide you with the same Bourbon Bash offerings as the bib.
Can I pick up my packet on race day?
YES. There is an option to pick up your bib and shirt between 6 – 7:30 a.m. on race morning. There will be a dedicated location located adjacent to gear check. You can select race-day packet pickup during your race registration. Price is $50 per person.
Are headphones, iPods or MP3 players permitted?
You may wear your headphones, iPods or MP3 players; however, we ask that you keep the volume at a reasonable level for your own safety and out of courtesy for fellow participants. You should still be able to hear participants and volunteers in proximity to you.
Do I need to return the chip?
No. We are using disposable chips attached to the back of the race bibs that DO NOT need to be turned in after the race.
Are strollers or pets allowed?
No. Strollers and pets are NOT allowed on the Half Marathon and 5K courses.
What is Kentucky’s temperature like in October?
According to weather.com, the average high is 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low is 49 degrees Fahrenheit.
Will there be hydration stations on the course?
There are 6 water stations strategically placed on the course serving Louisville Pure Tap® water. The second, fourth, and sixth stations will also have Powerade.
Do I receive a medal?
All Half Marathon and 5K finishers receive a medal.
What will I receive for participating?
Participants in the Half Marathon and 5K will receive a long-sleeve shirt and finisher medal. Participants also have access to hydration drink stations and medical stations provided by UofL Health. At the finish line, walkers and runners will enjoy trail mix, snack bars, bottled water and Powerade.
All our registered participants are invited to the award-winner post-race Urban Bourbon Bash, with live music by the Louisville Crashers. UBHM registrants receive bourbon samples, beer, pizza and soup as part of their registration. Our UB5K participants can purchase a discounted wristband for $20 to enjoy the same bourbon samples, beer, pizza and soup.and plenty of photo opportunities. The popular local band the Louisville Crashers will perform at the post-race party.
Is there a place to keep my keys and extra clothes?
Yes, Gear Check will be available near the Start and Finish Lines.
Is bib-swapping permitted?
Yes. Bibs can be swapped until Oct. 10, 2025. To swap bibs, log into your RunSignUp account, go to “Profile” > “My Registered Races” > “View/Edit” > “Transfer to Another Runner.” There is a $25 processing fee.
Can I defer my registration?
Yes, you have until Oct. 10, 2025, to defer your registration until 2026. To defer, log into your RunSignUp account, go to “Profile” > “My Registered Races” > “View/Edit” > “Defer.” There is a $25 processing fee.
Is there a penalty for giving my bib to another runner on race day?
Yes. Any participant who runs under someone else’s bib will be disqualified and will not be scored. For the safety of our runners, and in case of a medical emergency, it is imperative that the registration data associated with the race number belongs to the person wearing the bib. If race organizers become aware that a runner has participated in one of our events with a bib that is not registered to that runner, both the runner and the person to whom the bib is registered will be prohibited from participating in subsequent Louisville Sports Commission events for a minimum of two years.
Minimum Two-Year Ban for Unauthorized Runners
Our past races have had participants run under someone else’s bib number. While this may seem harmless to the parties involved with the bib transfer, it does convey serious consequences to the organizers and participant field. From race results to finishers’ awards being impacted, as well as medical staff being able to correctly identify participants in need of treatment, it is imperative that the registration data associated with your race number belongs to you, the participant. If race organizers become aware that a runner has participated in one of our events with a bib that is not registered to that runner, both the runner and the person to whom the bib is registered will be prohibited from participating in subsequent Louisville Sports Commission events for a minimum of two years.
When is the last day to register?
The last day to register online for the Half Marathon and 5K is Oct. 16. You can register on Oct. 17 at packet pick-up for $110. There is no race-morning registration.
Do you offer a military and first responder discount?
We are happy to offer active U.S. military members, veterans and first responders – including medical professionals – 10 percent off race registration. To receive the discount, email a copy of your DD214 or other proof of service to info@louisvillesports.org. You will then be given a code to register at the discounted rate.
What types of wheelchairs are allowed?
Push-rims are the only style of wheelchair allowed.
Are there restrooms on the Half Marathon and 5K courses?
Restrooms will be available (typically porta-potties) near the start line and at all water stations along the Half Marathon course. A water stop volunteer can point you to the restrooms.
What are the awards for the age group winners?
The top overall male, female and non-binary winners will receive a custom bourbon barrel head. The top three males and females in each age group will receive a custom bourbon-themed award. Age groups are as follows: 21-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 & over. Only registered participants are eligible to receive any awards.
What is the cancellation policy?
Sorry, there are NO refunds for cancellations.
