Schedule:

11:00 AM – 8:00 PM - Race Expo And Packet Pick-Up
GE Appliances Derby Festival mini, Marathon & Relay packets can be picked up at the Race Expo And Packet Pick-Up. Runner packets include race bib, timing chip, and important runner instructions.

Come for the packet pick-up, stay for activities like:

Picking up Race Day Gear from Swag’s Sport Shoes and other vendors
Chat with the Norton Sports Health Team about the Training Program and pick up your 2025 Race Magnet
Meet your Pace Team
Assisted stretch & pre-race body work with KORT Physical Therapy’s Rehab Team
Visiting the Official Derby Festival Race Day Merchandise shop
Other sampling and tasting opportunities

Location: Located at the Kentucky Exposition Center, Freedom Hall
2801 Crittenden Drive (Enter Through Gate 4)
Louisville, KY 40209

7:00 PM - Kentucky Derby Festival 5K
2025 will mark the inaugural Kentucky Derby Festival 5K, kicking off a full weekend of racing with the traditional GE Appliances miniMarathon and Marathon on Saturday, April 26!

“The Kentucky Derby Festival 5K will offer a unique experience race weekend with an evening run over the Ohio River just before sunset,” said Chris Martini, Kentucky Derby Festival Race Director. “Festival fans and families at all fitness levels can participate. It’s also an opportunity for runners to get a warm-up in ahead of their half or full the next day.”

The 5K will start at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. Participants will run a looped course that starts and finishes at Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park and includes a lap on the Big 4 Bridge. The 5K is open to participants age 10 and up. All 5K Participants will receive a medal and shirt.

Looking for a challenge? Complete the 5K AND GE Appliances miniMarathon or Marathon to receive a special challenge medal to commemorate both runs!
The registration fee is $45.

9:00pm - Great BalloonFest: Great Balloon Glow
One of the most anticipated events of balloon race weekend is the Kentucky Derby Festival Great Balloon Glow. This year, there will be TWO opportunities to see the Balloon Glow, as it returns to Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront on Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25.

The Great Balloon Glow is a companion event to the race, the balloons on the field, but do not ascend. As the pilots fire their burners, watch as the balloons glow against the blackness of the night sky, synchronized to a special musical score.

You are invited to walk around the field and talk to the pilots as they have more time to show off their balloons than on race morning.

Even if you plan on coming to the race, you don’t want to miss the unique beauty of the glow. It’s a one-of-a kind experience!

Location: Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville