Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon - RunMarathon

Mostly happy with my pacing. I was a couple minutes too fast on the first half, and really had to hang on in the end to break 4 1/2 hours; but 4 1/2 hours was my goal, and I did meet it and it was a PR by 50 minutes, so overall I am thrilled.

Try not to go out so fast; I was about 10-15 seconds fast for the first 9 or 10 miles.

Slow walking, drinking powerade and water, eating bananas, trying to avoid cramps. Cold shower when I got home really hit the spot, and ice treatment on my feet/legs as much as possible for the rest of the day.


Genetics :) - Those daggone hills! - Only my second marathon, so I hope to get faster in the future.


There was major changes to the course this year (announced several months ago) which was controversial to some, and I too had my issues with changing such a well loved course by the runners and the community. But I will say that I can see why the changes were made, and looking back, I am fine with it at this point. I will also say that I feel like this was the best organization I have experienced at this event (even with some last minute course changes due to the regional flooding going on, in addition to the previously mentioned major course changes) I did not have to weave at all for the beginning miles to get around walkers, which is a MAJOR improvement from previous years. I could literally go my preferred pace and was right in step with others from my corral. I can really see this race continuing to grow in the years ahead. Well, at least the mini-marathon (currently at 15,000 participants for the mini). The full marathon is pretty challenging with all the hills; not 'flat and fast' by any means. (1500 finishers this year)