Summary:

Set in the heart of Louisville, KY, the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon is a MUST. The entire weekend is filled with events & there is plenty to do steps from the Start/Finish Line.

Packet PickUp:

For $50, UBHM offers VIP Packet PickUp. Held above the Jim Bean Urban Stillhouse (which is at 4th Street Live - the Finish Line area of the race & entertainment district of Louisville), I was met by live music, food & of course - bourbon. The staff was great, as I came straight from the airport (flight was delayed by 2 hours :/), they asked me what I wanted to drink & I had an Old Fashioned while I picked up my bib, wrist band for the Urban Bourbon Bash (held after the race on Saturday). I also received 2 Poker Chips so that I could go to the bourbon tasting downstairs. Once downstairs in the Stillhouse, you can order your custom UBHM bottle & grab a few souvenirs for the family while you wait for it.

Race/Route:

The race takes you through Louisville, past Louisville Slugger field as well as other Louisville attractions & ends at the 4th Street Live (Party Time!). While there were some hills, there were equal downhills - which I love. Although I was born in Ohio, the crisp 50 degree temps were cold for me but it warmed up a little as the race went on. There were plenty of aid stations as well as just local people just hanging out along the route to cheer us on. Its truly a community event!

Swag/Extras:
After the race, you are met at the Finish Line by the Urban Bourbon Bash. There's live music, food & of course - bourbon. But there is more! The Bourbon Walk! After the race, take a shower & head out for lunch. There is a list of restaurants to visit & at each one (if you make a purchase) you will receive a commemorative pin! By the end of the walk, you will have 5 pins that you can add to the ribbon of the beautiful medal you just received.

Conclusion:

I cannot say enough great things about this race! I was truly surprised with all that the race weekend offered as well as the proximity - everything was within walking distance from our hotel (The Seelbach). If there ever was a perfect fall race, this is the one!

Quick Tip -

*Custom Bottle: Spring for the cushy bottle bag! It saved me a great deal of trouble when checking my bags at the airport (they were impressed!). The bottle bag is crush proof, so my bottle made it safely from KY back to Cali. Also, if you can get the VIP Check In - do it, because you can get your bottle right then & there. If you wait until Saturday to try & get your custom bottle - the wait will be extremely long. Plus, it includes a guest in the price. So you & a guest get fancy food, drinks, bourbon tasting & your custom bottles. Then you can head over to any of the restaurants in 4th Street Live to soak up all the bourbon you just had. :)