After 150 Kentucky Derbys, Louisville Knows Sports

Louisville, Ky. – January 7, 2015 – Those making New Year’s resolutions take note: the Louisville Sports Commission’s popular fall running series will return in 2015 – including its most spirited race, the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon. The commission today released the 2015 Fall Runathon schedule, featuring three races that provide unique courses and quality experiences for runners and walkers, while promoting healthy lifestyles for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Returning this year on Oct. 24, the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon pays tribute to the Commonwealth’s signature industry while wrapping Kentucky bourbon, food and entertainment around a world-class half marathon. The 13.1-mile course pours through the settings that make Louisville unique and showcases 200 years of bourbon heritage and culture – starting at the historic Whiskey Row, winding through the fall foliage along the Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park and finishing on Main Street in front of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

“We saw tremendous success with the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon in 2014 and are anticipating an even larger number of runners and supporters this year,” said Karl Schmitt, executive director of the Louisville Sports Commission. “This race provides a fun, unique destination experience that celebrates the true heritage of Louisville and Kentucky.”

The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon also offers a number of runner experience add-ons:

• VIP Packet Pick-up and Bourbon Experience at Evan Williams – $50/limited availability, includes a guest (Fri. night)
• Pasta Experience at Bearno’s by the Bridge – $20 with three seatings (Fri. night)
• Run for the Bourbon dinner at Down One Bourbon Bar and Restaurant – $45 with multiple seatings (Sat. night)
• Guest admission to the Bourbon Lounge at the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon post-race party – $20 (Sat.)

Special room rates are available at The Galt House, the official hotel of the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon.

Registration for the half marathon starts at $60 and increases on Feb. 2 to $65. For the complete registration schedule and special offerings for the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon, visit UrbanBourbonHalf.com. The half marathon is intended for those age 21 and older, which means runners must be 21 on or before Oct. 24, 2015, to register.

The Fall Runathon kicks off with two family-friendly races that promote Louisville-centric courses and routes.

The fifth annual Louisville pure tap® 5K will be held Sept. 12. It starts and finishes at the historic Louisville Water Tower on River Road and runs along Zorn Avenue. The Louisville pure tap® 5k culminates in a free tour of the new WaterWorks Museum for 5K participants. Early bird registration is just $25, and will increase to $30 on Aug. 8.  Registration at packet pick-up or on event day is $40.

The Norton Sports Health Great Pumpkin 10K returns for its third year on Oct. 3 at the Parklands of Floyds Fork. The race offers a scenic course in the Parklands of Floyds Fork, the new 4,000-acre park system in Louisville and one of the nation’s largest new park projects. There will also be a Wellness Festival and a 3/4-mile kid’s fun run at the Egg Lawn. Early bird registration is just $35 until June 30. After Aug. 16, registration increases to $40.  Registration at packet pick-up or on event day is $50.

Those interested in participating in the full three-race series can receive a 10 percent discount off each race’s registration price. However, since the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is meant for those age 21 and older, you must be 21 by Oct. 24, to register for the three-race series. More information about the Fall Runathon, including registration and route information, can be found atFallRunathon.com.