Frequently Asked Questions
Race-Related FAQ's
Transfer, Refund and Deferral Policies
May I switch events? (ex: from Half Marathon down to 10K)
Yes, definitely. Up until one month prior to race week, you can switch events online via your Race Passport account. If within a month until race week, you can switch in person at our Expo. There is usually a fee involved with switching events.
May I transfer my bib to someone else?
Also yes, if before April 15, Race Passport® provides this functionality within your race registration. There’s a small fee for transfers. To transfer, follow these simple instructions:
Login to your Race Passport®️ account
Navigate to your “My Race Passport” page
Click on your RunTheBluegrass registration
Click on “Transfer Registration” and follow the prompts
Note that the person you are transferring to must already have a Race Passport®️ account
After April 15, transfers or other changes to your registration can only be handled in person at our Race Expo, Friday, May 10 at Talon Winery.
I need to make a change to my registration.
You can update parts of your registration information by logging into your Race Passport® account. Navigate to “My Race Passport”… then to your RunTheBluegrass 2023 registration.
What about registration refunds, transfers or deferrals?
We cannot accommodate deferrals or refunds - for any reason - as we commit to and/or pay for all of your Official Swag, food & drink, insurance, logistics and hospitality provisions well in advance of Race Week.
As stated above, however, we do provide you the ability to transfer your bib to another runner as your means of recouping most of your money, or to switch event distances if needed. (There is a small transaction fee for transferring bibs between runners.)
Event Details
What are my 2024 race options?
We have three adult distances to choose from: Our Half Marathon, our 10K and our 5K.
Each option takes you through the beauty of our Bluegrass country!
What time do the 2024 races start on Saturday, May 11?
You need to be on Talon Winery property by 7:30am. Our races start at 8:00am.
What is the address of the start and finish lines?
Talon Winery
7086 Tates Creek Rd, Lexington, KY 40515 (Google Map here)
When and where is Packet Pick Up?
Friday, May 10, 11:00am - 8:00pm at Talon Winery (Google Map here)
Returning in 2024: a “Race Morning Packet Pickup” option for $25 is available through your Race Passport account.
We cannot mail Official Race Packets in advance because they don’t arrive in Lexington until race week itself.
May a friend or family member pick up your packet and swag?
Yes.
Can we register either at the Race Expo or the morning of the Race?
Last minute registrations are accepted if your event is not sold out.
Is there a time limit?
Yes, 3 hours is the time limit for our Half Marathon, which is a 14 minutes/mile pace. Our 10K and 5K also have those same 3 hours.
I need to change my shirt size. How can I do this?
You may change shirt sizes via your Race Passport account up until April 15. Depending on availability, you may be able to exchange sizes in person during Race Weekend.
What is Race Day traffic and parking like?
There is ample, free parking near our Start and Finish Line at Talon Winery. However, you must arrive on Talon property by 7:30am to ensure everyone gets in before our races start at 8:00.
Are there shuttles from hotels to Talon Winery on Race Morning?
While many hotels in Lexington offer shuttle service to/ from Lexington Airport, there are none to Talon Winery. However, Uber and Lyft are very popular in and around town. Talon has ample, ample free parking if you drive yourselves.
Also, if you want to enjoy time during race weekend to drive our beautiful Kentucky country roads to see some our farms and/or distilleries, our Lexington airport has all the major car rental companies. And generally less expensive than in big cities.
Are there water stations/port-a-potties?
We have six fully stocked aid stations along our Half-Marathon and two along our 10K and 5K distances. We provide Highbridge Spring Water, the best in Kentucky, to all of our runners! Each station has its own first-aid kits and portapotties.
Do you offer Gear Check at the Start / Finish?
Parking on Talon Winery property will be close enough to our Start / Finish Line that you won’t need separate Gear Check. You can just use your cars.
Will there be Pacers?
Yes, we have Pace Team Leaders for our most popular Half Marathon finish times.
May I change Waves?
Yes. You can do so via your Race Passport account until April 15th. After that, you can do so in person at Expo.
What is the weather like in Lexington?
Spring usually creates perfect running weather here in Kentucky! It is typically around 55 degrees at race time here in the Bluegrass.
Weather-related issues
In the case of severe weather (thunderstorms, lightning, thunder) it is possible we might delay the start up to thirty minutes. If severe weather is anticipated throughout race morning, we will cancel races for everyone’s safety. (We are a unique course, in that we race through Kentucky’s back country roads instead of a typical urban environment, meaning there is extremely limited shelter available on our course.) Race Day Expo might continue as planned, indoors, that is a race morning decision. As stated above, refunds are not possible because all of your stuff has already been purchased and paid for - and is yours!
Is the course hilly or flat? Challenging, easy, or…?
Kentucky’s rolling hills with a few flat spots… exquisitely beautiful… challenging… and inspirational.
Is there a printable version of the Course Map available?
Yes – Click Here! (In PDF format for your convenience.) You will also receive a digital Official Race Guide in your email sometime during race week that will also highlight the course.
What are the Age Groups?
< 18 Male and Female
19-24, Male and Female
25-29, Male and Female
30-34, Male and Female
35-39, Male and Female
40-44, Male and Female
45-49, Male and Female
50-54, Male and Female
55-59, Male and Female
60-64, Male and Female
65-69, Male and Female
70+, Male and Female
Do we offer military discounts?
Yes! 10% off.
Are headphones allowed?
Yes, but please stay mindful of your surroundings at all times.
Can I bring my pet/stroller?
Thank you for being considerate enough to ask! Strollers with small children are allowed. Unfortunately, regulations now do not allow pets during insured / sanctioned events.
Are paper registration forms available?
Not in advance. We will have a few at Expo, however.
Where Do Race Proceeds Go?
The goals of RunTheBluegrass are twofold. One, to promote healthy and very happy lifestyles. Secondly, to promote and invest into Central Kentucky’s small business, non-profit and arts communities.
85% of RunTheBluegrass proceeds get reinvested back into Bluegrass area businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs.
Is your site secure?
Yes, from head to toe! If you look, you can see the "https://" in your browser window alongside the lock
Race Week Tours & Parties
Can I purchase tour and party tickets at the Race Expo?
Many of our specially-curated Race Week party and tour tickets sell out fast. If your particular event has not sold out come Expo time, however, you certainly are welcome to buy tickets "at the door."
Our Major Partners
