‘Run fast through the past’ at Kentucky History Half Marathon

More than 500 runners from central Kentucky and beyond will converge on the state capital on Sept. 24 for the second annual running of the Kentucky History Half Marathon, the first road race to celebrate Kentucky’s vibrant history. It features a challenging 13.1-mile course as well as 10K and 5K races and family activities.

The charitable event is presented by the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation Inc. and the Kentucky Historical Society. All proceeds will go to the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation Inc. and benefit the Kentucky Historical Society’s educational programming and services.

Doug High, ABC 36 news anchor and co-host of Good Morning Kentucky, will emcee the race. Kentucky Chautauqua characters from the Commonwealth’s rich and colorful past are also part of the lineup. Runners are encouraged to dress like their favorite historical person, too.

The half marathon is designed to offer runners both a challenging course and a scenic tour of historic Frankfort. Starting and ending next to the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, runners will weave throughout the downtown district before heading out and circling the State Capitol grounds. From there, they climb a grueling hill on U.S. 60 to one of the highlights of the course, “The Mile of Remembrance,” a stunning loop through historic Frankfort Cemetery. The second half of the race features a stretch along Kentucky River View Park and a lap around Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The event is part of “The Kentucky Mad Halfers” fall series involving three half marathons in less than two months: the Kentucky History Half Marathon, Sept. 24; the bg 26.2 & Half Marathon in Bowling Green, Nov. 6; and the Renfro Rock ‘n’ Run in Renfro Valley on Nov. 19.

In conjunction with the race this year, on Sept. 23 the local community has partnered with KHS to hold the first Discover Frankfort Day, a full day of activities including history tours, art walk, a pasta dinner and more.

Major funding support for the Kentucky History Half is provided by KECU. Substantial support is provided by the Lexington Herald-Leader; WUKY; ABC-36; Frankfort Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites; the Kentucky Sports Authority; and C. Michael Davenport Chapel Charities Foundation.