Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Race Information
The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K is an inclusive race in Owensboro, Kentucky, benefiting Wendell Foster and supporting people with disabilities.
The race takes place Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Owensboro, Kentucky, and features a flat, fast course through Owensboro’s riverfront and historic downtown. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, tackling your first 13.1, or enjoying a 5K with friends or family, you’ll experience a professionally supported race while making a difference in your community!
The event is open to runners and walkers of all abilities, including Duo Teams and adaptive athletes. Participants must be 12 or older on race day to register for the Half Marathon or Push-Rim Divisions. No age restrictions apply to 5K, Steps Division, or Duo Team participants.
Registration & Participant Perks
Registration will remain open until the race sells out or registration closes. Registration will close at 6:00 PM (Central Time) on Friday, March 27, 2026. Shirt size is guaranteed only for participants registered by the posted deadline (March 4, 2026).
Registrations are non-refundable. To transfer your bib/registration to another person, follow the instructions below. The deadline to initiate a transfer is March 13, 2026, and the deadline to complete a transfer is March 27, 2026.Â
-
Sign In to RunSignUp
-
Go to your Profile and locate the event registration you wish to transfer
-
Click on the option to "Transfer to Another Person" or "Bib Exchange"
-
Provide the details of the person you are transferring the registration to. You will need their name and email address
-
Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the transfer. The recipient will receive an email with a link to complete their registration
-
The transfer is not complete until the recipient clicks the link in the email and completes their registration.
Deferrals to a future year are not offered.
Registration includes a participant shirt, finisher medal, race bib, timing, on-course support, and access to race weekend events.
To change your shirt size, follow this tutorial. Please note: Shirt sizes will be final after March 4, 2026. If you wish to change your shirt size after the deadline, we will try our best to accommodate you at check-in.
Follow these steps to resend your confirmation email from your RunSignup profile.
There will not be race day registration.
Wendell Foster is proud to honor our U.S. Military members, U.S. Military Veterans, and active and retired first responders with a discount. Qualified individuals can receive a ten percent (10%) discount off the price at the time of registration. The discount applies to half marathon registrations only. Email a copy of your military and work photo ID to race@wendellfoster.org to request the discount.
Check-In: Expo & Race Day
Every participant must check in and pick up their bib to race. Friday Expo Check-In is the easiest option, but race-day check-in will be available for those unable to attend Friday.
Check-In occurs on Friday at the Expo, as well as Saturday before the race begins. Expo Check-In location and hours can be found on the Expo page. Race Check-In location and hours can be found on the Race Day page.
Race Day & Course Info
All participants will line up along West Veterans Boulevard (near Smothers Park) in their respective corrals. We ask that ALL participants, regardless of division, be lined up no later than 6:50 AM for important announcements.
Start Times:
-
Half Marathon Duo Team & Push Rim Participants Begin: 7:00 AM
-
Remaining Half Marathon Participants Begin: 7:01 AM
-
5K Duo Team & Push Rim Participants Begin: 7:10 AM
-
Remaining 5K Participants Begin: 7:11 AM
The time limit for the Half Marathon is 3 hours, 45 minutes.
Your bib must be visible at all times and worn on the front of your body. It’s best to place it on your outermost layer of clothing.
-
Timing: Front placement is required for accurate timing. The timing system reads the chip in your bib as you cross the finish line.
-
Photos: Course photographers use your bib number to tag your race photos. If your bib isn’t visible, your photos may be a lot harder to find in the gallery!
Unfortunately, we do not offer gear check or a place to leave personal items.
Strollers
Strollers are welcome! For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that you start near the back of the pack and remain mindful of other participants on the course. Interested in pushing a person with a disability in an adaptive racing chair while participating more competitively? Check out our Duo Team Division to see if it’s the right fit for you and your friend or loved one.
Dogs
We love our furry friends, but to keep everyone safe, pets are not allowed on the course. Service animals, however, are welcome. If you plan to bring a service animal, please email race@wendellfoster.org before race day so we can make any necessary accommodations. Thank you for understanding!
The race starts and ends on West Veterans Boulevard near Smothers Park (199 W Veterans Blvd, Owensboro, KY 42303).
Nearby hotel parking is reserved for hotel guests, but Owensboro has plenty of convenient options for you. We recommend parking at the Convention Center or in one of the nearby public garages to keep your race day smooth and stress-free. View our parking map here.
Aid stations are placed throughout the course with hydration options. The course is partially closed to traffic with police and volunteers assisting at intersections.
Inzaption Photos will be on course to capture race day moments. Participants will receive an email with a link to view photos within two weeks of the race. Photos are FREE to participants!
Course photographers use your bib number to tag your race photos. For best results, wear your bib on the front of your body where it’s fully visible. Your bib number is the key to finding your photos!
Participants are permitted to use headphones. Please keep your volume low enough so that you remain aware of your surroundings, can pay attention to course marshals, and listen to instructions from course volunteers and staff!
Porta-potties will be located near the start/finish line as well as throughout the course.
Accessibility & Safety
A Duo Team consists of a runner pushing a person with a disability in a customized racing wheelchair.
Adaptive athletes are welcome, and participants with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the race team (race@wendellfoster.org).
Rules & Policies
General Conduct & Safety
-
Participants must follow all instructions given by event officials, including race staff, volunteers, medical personnel, police officers, and city officials throughout the duration of the event.
-
Event medical personnel reserve the right to remove any participant from the course if they determine it is unsafe for the participant to continue.
-
Event officials reserve the right to modify, supplement, or waive any part of the event rules at any time for safety or operational reasons.
Start & Course Procedures
-
All participants must enter their assigned start corral through designated entry points only. Any participant who climbs a fence or enters the corral improperly will be disqualified.
-
All participants must be positioned behind the official start line prior to the start of the race.
-
Participants must follow the official course at all times. Any participant found to have gained an unfair advantage by intentionally shortening the course (“cutting the course”) will be disqualified.
-
Runners must remain in the right lane of the roadway unless instructed otherwise by race officials.
-
On Ford Avenue, participants must remain inside the designated cones.
Course Access & Assistance
-
Only registered participants displaying an official event bib and authorized race staff are permitted on the course.
-
No participant may be accompanied, paced, or followed by an outside runner, cyclist, or pedestrian.
-
Participants may only receive assistance, hydration, or nutrition from official event aid stations or authorized race staff unless otherwise approved by event management.
-
Any person not properly displaying an official event bib will be directed to leave the course.
Bib & Timing Compliance
-
Official event bibs must be worn on the front of the body and clearly visible at all times during the race.
-
Participants must cross the finish line only once. Spectators or non-participants are not permitted to cross the finish line, as doing so may result in participant disqualification.
-
All finish times are subject to review and verification by event officials before results are deemed official.