Hold onto your horses, folks—the Kentucky Derby Festival just dropped a bombshell. Known for its electrifying events and record-breaking crowds, this annual Louisville tradition is already a can’t-miss spectacle. With its jam-packed schedule of races, balloon glows, and waterfront festivities, it’s hard to imagine the festival getting any bigger. But in 2025, organizers are doing just that—and they’ve got the local running community buzzing with excitement.

What’s the big news? For the first time ever, the Derby Festival will include a surprise on Friday evening. This surprise addition is more than just a pre-race warm-up; it’s a chance to bring even more people into the fold and enhance an already legendary week of events. But why now, and what does it do to the $5 million (approx.) extravaganza?

Why add to an already packed schedule?

The Louisville Derby Festival has always been full of activities, but for 2025, a new, shiny 5K race will be added. It is going to be an easy 3.1-mile casual run perfect for beginners and seasoned professionals. This will occur on Friday, April 25, at 7 p.m. in a twilight run that weaves through a looped course at Waterfront Park, even crossing the iconic Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. “We’re extending our Saturday race day festivities to include a Friday night 5K,” said Chris Martini, KDF Events Manager and Race Director. “This model has been extremely popular in markets like Dallas, Vegas, and Chicago, and it’s high time Louisville joins the party with its own pre-race day event.”

Translation? They’re raising the bar to be more competitive with other premier marathons while making it more accessible for anyone to participate. And, of course, runners who go all in and take on both the 5K and Saturday’s GE Appliances miniMarathon or Marathon will receive an exclusive Challenge Medal. Because who doesn’t love a little bling? And let’s face it: Not everyone’s ready for 13.1 or 26.2 miles. This addition is a low-pressure way for people to soak in the Derby spirit without taking on a bit more than they can handle. “Maybe you’re not quite ready for the mini or full marathon, or maybe you want a shake-out run before the big race,” Martini told the Courier Journal. “The 5K gives you options.”

Community impact and Festival enhancements

The 5K is not just a run for the participants but an added set of expanding activities to spice up Friday nights of the festivals. Just think of runners pounding the pavement side by side under thousands of dazzling lights, followed by fireworks and overall celebrations at the Kroger Fest-a-Ville area, moving on to the annual famous Great Balloon Glow—to start off what promises to be an exciting adventure for Derby filled with fun; this is its perfect kick starter. This race is going to be a game-changer for families, newbies, and seasoned runners just looking for a warm-up. Kids as young as 10 can lace up and hit the track, making it one of the most accessible events in the festival lineup. And at $45 a pop, the registration fee is pretty manageable—especially when you factor in the once-in-a-lifetime Challenge Medal for those going all-in

Registration begins Thursday at DerbyFestivalMarathon.com for those ready to take the plunge. For that, the launch coincides with the free Norton Sports Health Training Program kick-off event at the Kentucky Derby Museum, so if you’re in town, swing by, pick up some tips, and sign up for what’s shaping up to be one unforgettable weekend. The Kentucky Derby Festival isn’t just sticking to tradition; it’s evolving. Adding the 5K race, organizers prove that they are not scared to mix and match to make this festival even more inclusive and exciting. Whether you’re a big-time marathoner or just looking to dip your toes into the racing scene, 2025 is going to be the year you experience Derby magic like never before. So, what are you waiting for? Lace up, Louisville! It’s time to hit the ground running.