The Bourbon Chase is a part of the Ragnar series. It's a 200+ mile relay from Jim Beam Distillery to downtown Lexington, with stops in Danville, KY, Wild Turkey Distillery, Maker's Mark Distillery, Four Roses Distillery and Woodford Reserve. The course is divided up into 36 legs. Each relay team is either 12 or 6 runners (6 is for ultra runners). Each runner runs 3 legs. Each team is divided up into 2 vans (Runners 1-6 and 7-12). Each runner runs at least once during the evening. Hard to get sleep, but equally hard not to have fun and enjoy the scenery. The course is well marked. The rules are easy to follow. The towns and cities through which the race goes are very accommodating of the runners. And the after party in downtown Lexington is outstanding. Hard not to enjoy your time running this relay.

This race has changed courses a couple of times to accommodate construction in downtown Louisville. The latest iteration is just shy of 400 feet of elevation gain. it takes you through some of the prettiest areas of the city, just in time for the leaves to change color. Despite the hills, this course is extremely fast. The last 4 miles are mostly flat or downhill.

The Bourbon Bash after is A+. Each runner must be over 21. They each get 4 bourbon samplings, a burgoo sampling, a slice of pizza and a beer included in the registration cost. The medals are extremely cool too (most years shaped like a bottle of bourbon). The race uses an Ambassador program that always has a 10% discount built in, so there is always a way to save on registration.

This race is the third leg of the Fall Runathon in Louisville.

Title says it all. The Pure Tap 5k has a new course and that course is very flat and very fast. There is only one slight incline right at the beginning, but after that it's speed city. The weather in early September in Louisville can be tricky, but at 8am most days it's just cool enough. The course is well marked. There is 1 aid station. The crowd is pretty nice for a short race. The parking situation, however is a little tricky. The race is limited in size so there are always enough parking spots, however getting out can be tricky if you want leave while the race is still going on. Metro Louisville Police handle it all very well. The snacks and drinks at the end of the race are pretty nice for a 5k (Panera bagels, PowerAde and Chocolate Milk).

This is the first leg of the Fall Runathon. it's a great opportunity to PR in the 5k.

This is easily the most challenging marathon I've ever run. Normally the weather will either be rain, or warm and humid. The course is also challenging (600+ of elevation gain). Most of the elevation gain comes in the second half of the race.

The course is well marked. The crowd in Louisville is fantastic. The aid stations are well stocked. The post-race food/drink is more than enough to start recovery. Pace groups are readily available and ran by very capable runners. The t-shirts and medals are normally really cool.

Half marathon course is extremely flat and fast. If you're looking for a Half PR, this is the race for you. If you're looking for a challenging marathon that will leave exhausted, this is the full for you.

This is a small time race with a 5-mile, 15.5-mile and 50k option. None of the three are easy distances to cover. The 50k option will send you up almost 10,000 feet of elevation gain. There are only 3 aid stations on the entire course, so runners are strongly encouraged to carry their own. However, those three aid stations are fully stocked with excellent food choices and helpful volunteers. Make no mistake, this race is directed by a knowledge ultra and trail runner. The race management knows exactly what runners need/want at what point.

In 2017, there were about 500 runners total for this race, most of which opted for the 5 and 15.5 mile distance. The 15.5 mile option has elevation gain of over 2,600 feet. It's not called Lovin' The Hills for nothing.

The race is chip timed. The race is quite technical in the trails and often the trails are not wide enough to run 2 wide. However, the scenery is pretty gorgeous. The race is run in Jefferson Memorial Forest in Louisville, Kentucky. The views from the top of the highest hills and along the ridges are second to none in the region.

The post-race is a nice little celebration of various chilis and snacks. Most years, February is cold in Louisville, so hot chili and hot cocoa is a welcome snack.

If you're a local to the area, I would recommend going to Jefferson Memorial Forest and running the trails to understand the terrain of the race. It's a fun race, but it is not easy.