Fall Running Series to Return and Add a Splash of Bourbon
Louisville, Ky. – April 9, 2014 – The Louisville Sports Commission’s popular fall running series will return in 2014 – this time with a splash of bourbon. The commission today released the 2014 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.
New this year is a rebranding of the Louisville Sports Commission half marathon to the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon, paying tribute to one of Kentucky’s signature industries while creating an experiential, destination event for the community.
The Fall Runathon kicks off with two family-friendly races that promote Louisville-centric courses and routes. The fourth annual Louisville pure tap® 5k will be held September 6 at the historic Louisville Water Tower. The Norton Sports Health Great Pumpkin 10k returns for its second year on October 4 at the Parklands at Floyds Fork. The Fall Runathon concludes with the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon on October 25.
The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon celebrates and promotes 200 years of Louisville and Kentucky distilling history, combined with a half marathon route that showcases one of Louisville’s most scenic parks and provides a distinct downtown running experience. With this new bourbon theme, the half marathon is intended for those age 21 and older, which means runners must be 21 on or before October 25, 2014, to register.
“People who run and walk in half marathons are looking for destination events that deliver high-level experiences with cool themes,” said Karl Schmitt, executive director of the Louisville Sports Commission, “and 95 percent of the participants in our half marathon are adults. So, with our Urban Bourbon Half Marathon, we will provide a fun, unique experience that is geared toward the over 21 crowd.”
Each of the three Fall Runathon events takes place in a unique setting:
- The Louisville pure tap® 5k 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 family-friendly festival and free admission to the WaterWorks Museum for pure tap® 5k participants. Registration is $25 until August 16. After August 16, registration increases to $30.
- The Norton Sports Health Great Pumpkin 10k offers a scenic course in the Parklands of Floyds Fork. There will also be a Wellness Festival and a 3/4-mile fun run on the Egg Lawn. Early bird registration is just $35 until August 16. After August 16, registration increases to $40.
- The Urban Bourbon Half Marathon starts in downtown Louisville on the historic Whiskey Row. The course again follows the Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park and ends in front of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Main Street. The race includes a post-race party on the Belvedere. Early bird registration is $55 until May 12. After May 12, registration increases to $65.
“We love the pure tap® 5k and the opportunity to host the race at our corporate icon, and community landmark, the Louisville Water Tower,” said Kelley Dearing Smith, strategic communications manager. “This is a family-friendly race so you can walk or run the course. This year, we’re delighted to be able to showcase our new WaterWorks Museum to those running the race. Plus, it’s just a fun idea to run the route your water takes every day.”
“Norton Sports Health has a commitment to promoting health and wellness in our community,” said Ryan J. Krupp, M.D., director of Norton Sports Health. “Norton is proud to once again sponsor the Great Pumpkin 10k as a way to provide health education through an experience the whole family can enjoy.”
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. 25, 2014, to register for the three-race series. More information about the Fall Runathon, including registration and route information, can be found at www.FallRunathon.com.