KY History Half Marathon, 10K & 5K - Race Recap
The KY History Half Marathon was a spontaneous addition to my race calendar last year, as my husband and I happened to be in the area during race weekend. It also gave me the chance to check Kentucky off my list. Here’s a look at my experience, including what I loved about the race, what could be improved, and why it might be worth considering if you’re in the area.
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Pre-Race Eats: Goodwood in Downtown Frankfort
The night before the race, we stopped by Goodwood Brewing in downtown Frankfort, and it did not disappoint. We started with their Bavarian pretzel, which was perfect. For my main course, I went with the Drunken Pig Sandwich, and wow, it was good! A juicy burger patty topped with bourbon bacon jam, Louisville Lager beer cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, and all served on a buttery brioche bun. Overall, Goodwood was the perfect place to carb load before my race!
Even if you're not carb loading for a race, if you're in the Frankfort area I highly recommend stopping here for a great meal and relaxed atmosphere!
After dinner we checked in at the Hampton Inn in Frankfort. It's not fancy, but a comfy bed and a bagel from the breakfast bar before the race was all we needed! Plus, it was an easy drive to the starting line.
The Course: Prettier Than Expected
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this race, but the course turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The route wound through scenic parts of the town, offering a mix of historical landmarks and pretty views. It was flatter than I anticipated, making it a fairly easy race overall.
One of the highlights was running past the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Not only was it cool to see such a famous landmark up close, but the air smelled like fresh bread as we passed - such a unique and unexpected treat! I'd already done the Buffalo Trace Distillery tour with my dad back in 2020, but if you haven't done it before it's a must do if you're in the area!
We also ran by the Daniel Boone burial site, which the history buff in me absolutely loved. There’s something special about how this race combines running with a glimpse into the past.
While it might not have had the dramatic scenery of mountain or coastal races, the charm of the town, the historical landmarks, and the peaceful vibe made for an enjoyable run. Sometimes, a low-key, beautiful course is just what you need to focus on the joy of running.
Logistics: Room for Improvement
While the course itself was lovely, I did notice a few areas where the race logistics could have been better:
1. Restrooms
The race overview mentioned that there would be rest stops at all the aid stations, but I only found two porta-potties along the entire route. For someone who likes to plan their hydration and pit stops during a race, this was a bit disappointing. I definitely think they could add more restrooms to accommodate runners.
2. Fueling Options
The aid stations had water and an electrolyte drink, which was helpful, but the fueling options were pretty minimal. Granola bars and pretzels were the only items I saw, and they didn’t feel like the most runner-friendly choices for mid-race energy. Luckily I always run with all the fuel I need, but a few gels or chews would have made a big difference for runners relying on the course for their fueling needs.
Race Vibes and Town Highlights
Despite these logistical hiccups, the race had a nice, laid-back vibe that I appreciated. It wasn’t crowded or overwhelming, which allowed me to soak in the scenery and enjoy the experience.
One of the highlights of this race was the town itself. It was even prettier than I expected, with lots of historical charm and some amazing restaurant options for both pre-race fueling and post-race celebrations. My husband and I made the most of our time here, exploring the area and indulging in delicious local eats.
Final Thoughts
The KY History Half Marathon was a decent race that checked all the boxes for a laid-back, scenic run. While there’s definitely room for improvement in terms of restrooms and fueling options, the course and the town more than made up for it.
If you’re looking for a low-pressure race in a charming location - or you’re like me and working on your 50-state goal - this one is worth considering, especially if you’re already planning to be in the area.
Have you run this race or another event in Kentucky? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
